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Sciences 

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23  WIST  MAIN  STHET 

WltSTIR.N.Y.  MSM 

(716)  •72-4503 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/JCMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microrepreductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notat/Notfts  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  atteinpted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  whicih  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checiced  below. 


□ 


D 


D 
D 


D 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagie 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurte  et/ou  pelliculAe 

Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


I      I    Coloured  maps/ 


Cartes  gAographiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  init  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  blacic)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


I     I   Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
ReliA  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serrde  peut  causer  de  i'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intirieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  olanciies  ajoutAes 
iors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  iorsque  ceia  Atait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ant 
pas  6t6  fiimies. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  supplimentaires: 


L'Instit  ;  1  microfilm*  ie  meiiieur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  «  <itA  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sent  peut-Atre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mithode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiqute  ci-dessous. 


I     I   Coloured  pages/ 


D 

D 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommsgis: 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restaurAes  et/ou  peiliculAes 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxe( 
Pages  dicolortes,  tachet^es  ou  piquAes 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ditachies 

Showthrough/ 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Quaiit^  in6gaie  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  materii 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplAmentaire 


I — I  Pages  damaged/ 

I      I  Pages  restored  and/or  iamiriated/ 

r~7|  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 

I      I  Pages  detached/ 

I      I  Showthrough/ 

I      I  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

I      I  Includes  supplementary  material/ 


Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  ti«.«utt«.  etc.,  have  been  ref limed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partieilement 
obscurcies  par  un  fauillet  d'errata,  une  peiure, 
etc.,  ont  M  fiim6es  A  nouveau  de  fa^on  A 
obtenir  la  meiiieure  image  possible. 


1 

s 
1 

« 


i 

b 

rl 
ri 
n 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checiced  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film*  au  taux  de  rMuc'cion  indiquA  ci-dessous 

10X                            14X                             18X                            22X 

26X 

■ 

30X 

! 
1 

y 

i?x 

16X 

aox 

24X 

28X 

32X 

Th«  copy  filmed  hmrm  haa  bMn  rtprodieetd  thanks 
to  tha  ganaroalty  of: 

Library  Oiwition 

Provincial  Archival  of  British  Columbia 

Tha  imaoaa  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  baat  quality 
poaaibia  conaidaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  iiaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacificatlons. 


Original  copiaa  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  filmad 
baginning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  iliuatratad  impras- 
•ion.  or  tha  iMck  covar  whan  appropriata.  All 
othar  original  copiaa  ara  filmad  baginning  on  tha 
first  paga  with  a  printad  or  illustratad  impraa- 
sion^  and  anding  on  tha  last  paga  with  a  printad 
or  illustratad  imprassion. 


Tha  last  racordad  frama  on  aach  microflcha 
shall  contain  tha  symbol  -^  ( moaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbol  V  (moaning  "END"). 
whichavar  applias. 

Maps,  platas.  charts,  ate.  may  ba  filmad  at 
diffarant  raduction  ratios.  Thosa  too  larga  to  ba 
antlraly  includad  in  ona  axposura  ara  filmad 
baginning  in  tha  uppar  laft  hand  cornar.  laft  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  framas  as 
raquirad.  Tha  following  diagrams  illustrc<ta  tha 
mathod: 


1 

2 

3 

L'axampiaira  film*  f ut  raproduit  grica  A  la 
gAnAroaltA  da: 

Library  Division 

Provincial  Archivn  of  British  Columbia 

Laa  imagaa  auKrantaa  ont  4ti  raproduitas  avac  la 
plus  grand  aoin.  compta  tanu  da  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattat*  da  I'axampialra  f  ilm«.  at  m 
conformity  avac  laa  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmaga. 

Las  axamplairas  originaux  dont  la  couvartura  mn 
papiar  aat  ImprimAa  sont  film*«  an  commandant 
par  la  pramiar  plat  at  an  tarminant  soit  par  la 
darnlAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  amprainta 
d'lmprassion  ou  d'iilustration,  soit  par  la  sacond 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Tous  laa  autras  axamplairas 
originaux  sont  filmAs  an  commandant  par  la 
pramiAra  pr.ga  qui  comporta  una  amprainta 
d'lmprassion  ou  d'iilustration  at  mn  tarmi.«ant  par 
la  darniAra  paga  qui  comporta  una  talla 
amprainta. 

Un  das  symbolas  suivants  apparaltra  sur  la 
darnlAra  imaga  <h  ':haqua  microflcha,  salon  la 
cas:  la  symbola  — ^  signifia  "A  SUIVRE",  la 
symbols  ▼  signifia  "FIN". 

Las  cartas,  planchas.  tablaaux,  ate,  pauvant  Atra 
filmAs  A  das  taux  da  rAduction  diff Arants. 
Lorsqua  la  documant  ast  trap  grand  pour  Atra 
raproduit  an  un  saul  clichA,  ii  ast  filmA  A  partir 
da  I'angia  supAriaur  gaucha.  da  gaucha  A  droita. 
at  da  haut  mn  bas.  an  pranant  la  nombra 
d'imagas  nAcassaira.  Las  diagrammas  suivants 
illustrant  la  mAthoda. 


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1 


SOURCES  OF  THE  HISTORY 
OF  OREGON 


Volume  I 


Parts  s  to  ^  inclusive 


THE  CORRESPONDENCE  AND  JOURNALS  OF  CAPTAIN 

NATHANIEL  J.  WYETH 
'  1831-6 


A  Record  of  Two  Bxpodttlons  for  the  Occupatton  of  the  Oregon 
Country,  with  naps,  Introducttou  and  ln(*ex 


CONTINUATION  OP  THK   CONTRIBUTIONS  OF    THB    DBPARTMENT 

OF  ECONOMICS  AND  HISTORY  OF  THE   UNIVERSITY 

OF     OREGON     BY     THE     OREGON 

HISTORICAL    SOCIETY 


Edited  by  F.  G.  Young, 
Secretary  Oregon  Historical  Society 


I  ; 


PRICE  ONE   DOLLAR 


University  Press 

Sugene,  Ore. 

1899 


wm 


T¥ 


il 


).»;•..•;-    i'lsl    .  ,     itt ) 


I  '  ij  t  I  <  .   .=  .  1  I 


i! 


OREQON  HISTORICAL  S0CIE1Y. 


H.  W.  Scott,  President, 

C.  B.  Bbllingbr,    Vice-President, 

ly.  B.  Cox,   Treasurer, 

F.  G.  Young,  Secretary, 

Gbo.  H.  Himbs,  Assistant-Secretary, 


'tH>    'I 
It  >i    • 


Copyright  applied  for  by 

the  Oregon  Historical  Society 

All  rights  reserved 


Portland 
Portland 
Portland 
Eugene 
Portland 


A  tribute  to  the  memory  of  Captain  Wyeth  by  Jainei  Rusnell  Lowell, 
sent  to  the  Portland  (Oregon)  High  School  on  the  occasion  of  its  having  a 
Lowell  evening. 


Ei.MWDOD,  Cambridge,  Mass. 

24th  April,  1890. 
Dear  Miss  H  *  *  * 

I  feel  as  if  I  had  a  kind  of  birthright  in  your  Portland,  for 
it  was  a  townsman  of  mine  who  first  led  an  expedition  thither 
across  the  plains  and  tried  to  establish  a  settlement  there.  I 
well  remember  his  starting  sixty  years  ago,  and  knew  him  well 
in  after  years.  He  was  a  very  remarkable  person  whose  conversa- 
tion I  valued  highly.  A  born  leader  of  men,  he  was  fitly  called 
Captain  Nathaniel  Wyeth  as  long  as  he  lived.  It  was  the  weak- 
ness of  his  companions  that  forced  him  to  let  go  his  hold  on  that 
fair  possession.  I  hope  he  is  duly  honored  in  your  traditions.  *  * 
I  pray  you  to  give  my  greeting  with  the  warmest  assurance  of 
good  will  to  both  teachers  and  pupils.  We  are  I  am  sure  heartily 
at  one  in  our  desire  to  maintain  and  perpetuave  the  better  tradi- 
tions of  our  local  and  national  life,  and  it  is  upon  our  schools  that 
we  must  rely  in  great  measure  for  the  fulfilment  of  that  desire. 

Wishing  for  all  of  you  happy  and  useful  lives — and  one  includ- 
es the  other 

I  remain 

Very  sincerely  your  friend 
J.  R.  Lowell. 


Editor's  Preface 


I.i  the  traditions  of  New  England  Nathaniel  Jarvis  Wyeth  is 
highly  honored  as  the  principal  founder  of  the  ice  industry.  The 
Boston  7>rt»5rr;// in  its  notice  of  his  death,  August,    1856,   said: 

"It  is  not  perhaps  too  much  to  say  that  there  is  not  a  single 
tool  or  machine  of  real  value  now  employed  in  the  ice  harvesting, 
which  was  not  originally  invented  by  Mr  Wyeth  They  all  look 
to  Fresh  Pond  as  the  place  of  their  origin".  "As  one  who  laid 
open  a  new  field  of  honorable  industry"  he  was  held  "entitled  to 
the  rank  of  a  public  benefactor." 

Among  his  friends  who  came  under  the  influence  of  his  strong 
personality  he  was  regarded  as  "oneoftheremarkableraenof  New 
England."  The  tribute  to  his  memory  sent  to  Oregon  by  Lowell 
stimulated  the  search  for  the  record  of  those  wonderful  expeditions 
led  by  him.  Those  in  quest  of  it  were  rewarded  not  only  in  finding 
the  manuscripts, nearly  complete.butaiso  in  getting  from  the  posses- 
sor of  them  a  gracious  response  to  the  request  for  permission  to 
publish. 

These  sources  furnish  data  for  making  more  adequate  and  in- 
structive the  history  oJ  the  occupation  of  the  continent,  and  through 
t  he  publication  of  them  the  author  will  receive  due  recognition  for 
a  conspicuous  part  in  a  great  tiational  movement  and  for  the  pos- 
session of  a  strong  spark  of  heroic  spirit  like  that  whose  song   is, 

"My  purpose  holds 

To  sail  beyond  the  sunset  and  the  baths 

Of  all  the  western  stars  until  I  die." 

The  manuscript  is  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Mary  J,  Fish  of 
Taunton,  Massachusetts.  When  sent  to  l)e  copied  for  publication 
it  took  its  third  trip  westward  across  the  continent,  but  this  time 
it  was  not  "to  be  painfully  borne  by  wearisome  marches   through 


l| 


I  Id 


it  . 


almost  unbroken  solitudes  for  weary  months,  "but  now  after  sixty* 
three  years  to  be  "swiftl>-  carried  in  a  few  days,  to  find  no  longer 
at  the  journey's  end  the  wilderness  of  Nature  but  the  homes  ofan- 
enlightened  and  progressive  people." 

The  editor  owes  deepest  thanks  to  Mrs.  Fish  for  being  entrust- 
ed with  the  honor  of  publishing  this  record  and  for  her  consent  to 
present  it  in  its  integrity. 

The  plan  has  been  to  reproduce  the  original  faithfully  to 
the  letter.  From  the  conditions  under  which  the  record  was 
made  some  parts  are  faint  and  mutilated  but  it  is  hoped  that  de- 
fects arising  from  this  cause  and  from  shortcomings  in  editing  will 
not  seriously  impair  the  historical  value  of  these  documents. 

Eugene,  Oregon,  , 

July  I,  1899. 


BRRATA 


Page  12,     "circumsnances"inUne398houl(iread  "circumstances" 

"enough" 

"Tuesday" 

"Vancouver" 

"Having" 

"not" 

"flowers" 

"Sauvages" 

"contradictory" 


••  38, 

"  49, 
"  62, 

"enough" 

"Tuesday" 

"Vadcouver" 

,1 

"  44 
"  32 
"     5 

II  II 
1  •  1, 
,,        t. 

"  79, 
"126, 

"Haying" 
"dot" 

It 
II 

"  4 
"     8 

,,  1, 
II        1, 

"157, 
"212, 

••236. 

"flowers" 

"Savvages" 

"contardictory" 

II 
II 
1, 

"  4 
"    6 

"38 

II  1, 
II  1, 
I,        ,1 

CORRESPOND] 
Persons  addressed 

I 

Kelley,  Hall  J. 

II 

Wyeth,  Charles 

III 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

IV 

Neil,  Col.  J.  W. 

V 

Wyeth,  Charles 

VI 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

VII 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

VIII 

Hamilton,  Samuel  S. 

IX 

Wyeth,  Charles 

X 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

XI 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

XII 

Kverett,  Hon.  E. 

XII 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

XIV 

Wild,  Captain  Dixie 

XV 

Wyeth,  Charles 

XVI 

Uvermore,  Solmon  K. 

XVII 

Everett,  Hor,    E. 

XVIII 

Wyeth,  lyconarj 

XIX 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

XX 

Bach,  Theo. 

XXI 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

XXII 

Wild,  Captain  Dixie 

XXIII 

Wyeth,  Charles 

XXIV 

Livermore,  S.  K. 

XXV 

Hughs,  L  P. 

XXVI 

Cripps,  Geo. 

XXVII 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

xxvni 

Wyeth,  Charles 

XXIX 

Gardner.  Robt.  H. 

XXX 

Whiting,  Seymour 

XXXI 

Livermore,  S.  K. 

XXXII 

Jarvis,  Leonard 

XXXIII 

Norris,  A.  &  Co. 

Page 

I 

fl 
I 

3 
3 
S 

S 

6 

6 

8 

II 

ta 

t3 
«4 

i5 

16 

«7 
18 

«9 
ao 
21 
tt 

H 

as 
26 

27 
27 

28 

29 
29 
30 
31 

33 


z — :-! 


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v.. 'J  I'f' 


,vr  -<'*■* S[ 


*  *  *s^ , 


■i/v;:.'?'*'^ 


""    uuuer  winch   the  record  was 

made  some  partr  are  faint  and  mutilated  but  it  is  hoped  that  de- 
fects  arising  from  this  cause  and  from  shortcomings  in  editing  will 
not  senously  impair  the  historical  value  of  these  documents. 

Eugene,  Oregon, 

July  I,  1899. 


.vr  -v^**?. 


CONTENTS 


CORRESPON 
Persons  addressed 

I 

Kelley,  Hall  J. 

II 

Wyeth,  Charles 

III 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

IV 

Neil,  Col.  J.  W. 

V 

Wyeth,  Charles 

VI 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

VII 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

VIII 

Hamilton,  Samuel  S. 

IX 

Wyeth,  Charles 

X 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

XI 

Wveth,  Jacob 

XII 

Everett,  Hon.  E. 

XII 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

XIV 

Wild,  Captain  Dixie 

XV 

Wyeth,  Charles 

XVI 

Livermore,  Solmon  K 

XVII 

Everett,  Hon.  E. 

XVIII 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

XIX 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

XX 

Bach,  Theo. 

XXI 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

XXII 

Wild,  Captain  Dixie 

XXIII 

Wyeth,  Charles 

XXIV 

Livermore,  S.  K. 

XXV 

Hughs,  I.  P. 

XXVI 

Cripps,  Geo. 

XXVII 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

XXVIII 

Wyeth,  Charles 

XXIX 

Gardner.  Robt.  H. 

XXX 

Whiting,  Seymour 

XXXI 

Livermore,  S.  K. 

XXXII 

Jarvis,  Leonard 

XXXIII 

Norris,  A.  &  Co. 

Page 

I 

2 
I 

3 

3 

5 

5 
6 

6 

8 
II 

12 

»3 

'4 

15 
16 

17 

18 

19 
20 
21 
21 
24 

25 
26 

27 

27 

28 

29 
29 
30 
31 

33 


i       !li 


;   ! 


p 


viii 

CONTENTS 

Persons  addressed 

XXXIV 

Touro,  Judah 

XXXV 

Gardner,  Robt.  H. 

XXXVI 

Wyeth,  Charles 

XXXVII 

Ball,  John 

1                                             XXXVIII 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

XXXIX 

Livermore,  S.  K. 

XI, 

Kelley,  H.  J. 

XI.I 

Davenport  and  Byre. 

XLII 

Wyeth.  Leonard 

'                                    XLIII 

Davenport  and  Byron 

XLIV 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

XLV 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

XLVI 

Davenport  and  Byron 

XLVII 

Whiting,  Seymour 

XLVIIl 

Kelley,  Hall  J. 

XL,IX 

Perry,  Rev.  Clark 

L 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

.1                     I<I 

Davenport  and  Byron 

i                ^" 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

I                                   LIII 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

!'                     I.IV 

Bache,  Theo. 

;■                  i^v 

Ball,  John 

|1  .                                 LVI 

Sinclair,  John 

1                                      LVII 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

1                                     LVII I 

Touro,  Judah 

LtX 

Kelley,  Hall  J. 

Lx 

Brown,  James 

Lxi 

Wyeth,  Charles 

LXII 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

I^XIII 

Wyeth,  Charles 

LXIV 

Kelley,  Hall  J. 

LXV 

Jar  vis,  Leonard 

I.XVI 

Tudor,  F. 

LXVII 

Parents 

LXVIII 

Tucker  and  Williams 

1                                      LXIX 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

Lxx 

Wyeth,  Charles 

i                                 LXXI 

Jarvis,  Leonard 

1                 !                                             LXXII 

:!;       He      ^       sH 

j                                          LXXIII 

Simpson,  George 

LXXIV 

Bonneville,  Captain 

LXXV 

Baker,  Joseph,  and  Son 

i.XXVI 

Boardman,  Wm.  H. 

LXXVII 

Tudor,  F. 

!                                          LXXVII  I 

Tucker  and  Williams  and   Henry 

Hall 

LXXIX 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

I,XXX 

Wyeth,  Charles 

Page 

33 
34 
34 
36 

37 
38 
39 
39 
40 

41 
41 
42 
42 
42 
43 
43 
45 
45 
46 

46 
46 

47 
47 
47 
49 
50 
50 
50 
50 
51 
51 
5* 
52 
52 
53 
54 
55 
55 
56 
58 

69 

63 
64 

65 


CONTENTS 

Persons  addressed 

LXXXI 

Jarvis,  lyconard 

LXXXII 

Nuttall,  Thomas 

Lxxxill 

McLougblin,  Dr.  John 

I^XXXIV 

Von  Phull  and  McGill 

LXXXV 

Ball,  John 

LXXXVI 

Ermatinger,  F. 

LXXXVII 

Abbot,  Wiggin 

I^XXXVIII 

Samuel,  E.  M. 

LXXXIX 

Samuel,  E.  M. 

xc 

Tudor,  F. 

XCI 

Tucker  and  Williams  and  Henry  Hall 

XCII 

Samuel,  E.  M. 

XCIII 

Sublette,  M.  G. 

XCIV 

Sublette,  M.  G. 

XCV 

Harrison,  General 

XCVI 

Simpson,  Geo. 

XCVII 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

XCVIII 

Boardman,  Wm.  H. 

XCIX 

Wyeth,  Jonas 

c 

Hall  and  Tucker  and  Williams 

CI 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

en 

Editors 

cm 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

CIV 

Baker,  Joseph,  and  Son 

CV 

Perry,  Rev.  Clark 

CVI 

Livermore,  S.  K. 

evil 

Jarvis,  Leonard 

eviii 

Hall  and  Tucker  and  Williams 

CIX 

Von  Phull  and  McGill 

ex 

W^yeth,  Leonard 

CXI 

Baker,  Joseph,  and  Son 

CXII 

Simpson,  George 

CXIII 

Wyeth,  Charles 

CXIV 

Jarvis,  Leonard 

cxv 

Perry,  Rer.  Clark 

CXVI 

Samuel  and  More 

CXVII 

Von  Phull  and  McGill 

CXVIII 

Worthington.  James 

CXIX 

Wyeth,  Charles 

CXX 

Cass,  Lewis 

CXXI 

Rockhill,  Thomas  C,  and  Co. 

CXXII 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

CXXIII 

Tucker  and  Williams 

CXXIV 

Tucker  and  Williams 

CXXV 

Tucker  and  Williams 

CXXVI 

Samuel  and  More 

CXXVII 

Sublette,  M.  G. 

\x 

Page 

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90 

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91 
9t 

92 

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94 
95 


i  % 


m 


•ii 


X 

CONTENTS 

Persons  addressed 

CXXVIII 

Tucker  and  Williams 

CXXIX 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

CXXX 

Sublette,  M.  G. 

CXXXI 

Wyeth,  Charles 

cxxxii 

Sublette,  M.  G. 

CXXXIII 

Samuel  and  More 

cxxxiv 

Abbot,  Wiggin 

cxxxv 

Seaton,  All  red 

CXXXVI 

Wyeth,  Charles 

CXXXVII 

Samuel  and  More 

CXXXVIII 

Samuel  and  More 

CXXXIX 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

cxL 

Nuttall,  Thomas 

CXLI 

Dana,  Samuel  L. 

cxui 

Perry,  Rev.  Clark 

CXLIII 

Hallet 

CXLIV 

.    Cousin  Noah 

CXLV 

Wyeth,  Charles 

CXLVI 

Sublette,  Wm.  L. 

CXLVII 

Nuttall,  Thomas 

CXLVIII 

Thing,  Joseph 

CXLIX 

Wyeth,  Charles 

CI, 

Tucker  and  Williams 

CLI 

Pickering,  Jno. 

CLII 

Tucker  and  Williams 

Chill 

Sublette,  Wm.  L. 

CLIV 

Rockhill,  Thomas  C,  and  Co 

CLV 

Wyeth,  Charles 

CLVI 

Tucker  and  Williams 

CLVII 

Tucker  and  Williams 

CLVIII 

Sublette,  Wm.  L. 

CUX 

Tucker  and  Williams 

CLX 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

CLXI 

Lee,  Rev.  Jason 

CLXII 

Tucker  and  Willliams 

CLXIII 

Thing,  Captain  Joseph 

CI.XIV 

Thing,  Captain  Joseph 

CLXV 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

CLXVI 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

CLXVII 

Tucker  and  Williams 

CLXVIII 

Grant  pud  Stone 

CLXIX 

Thing,  Captain  Joseph 

CLXX 

Metcalf,  Col.  E.  W. 

CLXXI 

Powers,  Deborah 

CLXXII 

Thing,  Captain  Joseph 

CLXXIII 

Bradenburgh,  Jno. 

CLXXTV 

Tucker  and  Williams 

Page 

95 
96 
96 
96 

97 
98 

99 
too 

[GO 

roc 
102 
103 
103 
[04 
tc4 
[04 
to5 
105 
[05 
[06 
[07 
107 
ro7 
ro8 
[08 
[09 
[09 
ro9 
to9 

ID 

10 
10 
II 
II 
;ii 
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15 

15 
16 

16 


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96 

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ICX) 

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IC4 
104 

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105 
105 

106 

107 


CLXXV 

CLXXVI 

CLXXVII 

CI^XXVIII 

CI.XXIX 

CLXXX 

CLXXXI 

CLXXXII 

ci^xxxiri 

CLXXIV 
CLXXXV 
CLXXXVI 

CLxxxvir 

CLXXXVIII 

CI^XXXIX 

CXC 

CXCI 
CXCII 

cxciir 

CXCIV 

cxcv 

cxcvr 

CXCVII 
CXCVIII 
CXC  IX 

cc 

cci 

ecu 

CCIII 
CCIV 

ccv 
ccvi 

CCVII 
ccv  I II 
CCIX 
CCX 
CCXI 

ccxii 

CCXIII 

CCXIV 

CCXV 

CCXVI 

CCXVII 

CCXVIII 

CCX  IX 

CCXX 

CCX  XI 


CONTENTS 
Persons  addressed 

Thing,  Captain  Joseph 
Thing,  Captain  Joseph 
Wife  ^ 

Tudor,  F. 

Tucker  and  Williams 
Bradenburgh,  Jno. 
Thing,  Captain  Joseph 
Tucker  and  Williams 
Grant  and  Son 
Allison  and  Anderson 
Thing,  Captain  Joseph 
Von  PhuU  and  McGill 
Tucker  and  Williams 
Brown,  James 
Wyeth,  Charles 
Samuel  and  More 
Brown,  James 
Grant  and  Stone 
Tucker  and  Williams 
Wyeth,  Jacob 
Nuttall,  Thomas 
Samuel  and  More 
Samuel  and  More 
Wyeth,  Leonard 
Wife 

Samuel  and  More 
Grant  and  Stone 
Tucker  and  Williams 
Tucker  and  Williams 
Tucker  and  Williams 
Tucker  and  Williams 
Tucker  and  Williams 
Tucker  and  Williams 
Fitzpatric,  Thomas 
Fitzpatric,  Thomas,  and  Co. 
Fen  no,  James  W- 
Tudor,  F. 
Jarvis,  Leonard 
Pr*rents 
Wife 

Brown,  James 
Metcalf.  Col.  E.  W. 
Wyeth,  Charles 
Wyeth,  Leonard 
Von  PhuU  and  McGill 
Tucker  and  Williams 
Sublette,  M.  G. 


XI 

Page 

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117 
117 
118 
119 
120 

lai 
lai 

131 
131 
X33 

122 
122 

122 
122 
123 
123 
123 
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127 

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128 

128 

129 
-129 
129 
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"131 
13T 

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132 
132 
^33 
134 
«35 
135 
«35 
136 
136 

*3/ 
*37 
'38 

i3« 
140 


ii 


1 

xii 

CONTENTS 

• 

Persons  addressed 

Page 

CCXXII 

Von  PhuU  and  McGill 

140 

CCXXIII 

Ermatinger,  Francis 

140 

CCXXIV 

Payette,  Francis 

141 

CCXXV 

Bonneville,  Captain 

141 

ccxxvi 

Bonneville,  Captain 

142 

CCXXVII 

Jarvis,  I^eonard  et  al 

142 

CCXXVIII 

Stewart,  Captain  William 

142 

CCXXIX 

Tudor,  Frederic 

142 

CCXXX 

Fenno,  James  W. 

H3 

CCXXXI 

Brown,  James 

144 

CCXXXII 

Wife 

144 

CCXXXIII 

Wyeth,  Jacob 

145 

CCXXXIV 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

145 

ccxxxv 

Wyeth,  Charles 

146 

CCXXXVI 

Jarvis,  Leonard 

146 

ccxxxvi: 

Richardson 

147 

CCXXXVIII 

Weld 

148 

CCXXXIX 

Tudor,  Frederic 

149 

CCXL 

Brown,  James 

150 

CCXLi 

Jarv.'j,  Leonard 

151 

CCXLII 

Wyeth,  Charles 

152 

CCXLIII 

Wyeth,  Leonard 

153 

CCXLIV 

Parents 

153 

CCXLV 

Wife 

JOURNALS 

154 

First  Expedition 

155     219 

Second  Expeditou 

221 — 251 

Letter  and  Statement  Pertaining  to  Land  Claim 

253—256 

Index 

1 

- 
l!: 

» 

257—262 

Introduction 


The  American  people  are  just  experiencing  some  startling 
disclosures  of  the  depth  of  significance  to  them  in  their  destiny 
springing  from  the  fact  that  they  have  a  territorial  basis  contin- 
ental in  its  proportions.  Their  facing  of  the  two  oceans  through 
so  much  of  the  north  temperate  zone  of  itself  affords  a  mighty 
leverage  among  the  nations  of  the  earth. 

The  main  story  of  the  making  of  this  nation  holds  two  fairly 
equal  interwoven  threads — one  follows  the  development  of  a  new 
order  of  national  institutions;  the  other  shows  the  lead  of  that 
instinctive  craving  of  a  progressive  people  for  a  territorial  basis 
adequate  for  their  destiny.  Who  will  say  which  national  motive 
inspired  the  larger  measure  of  the  heroic?  The  victories  of  arms 
have  been  more  resounding  where  issues  of  freedom  and  equality 
were  at  stake.  There  is,  however,  no  brighter  page  of  American 
history  than  that  which  records  the  victory  of  American  diplomacy 
when  in  1783  against  the  greatest  odds  the  "father  of  v^aters" 
was  secured  for  our  western  boundary.  And  what  could  have 
been  more  sagacious  than  the  stroke  of  1803  through  which  our 
national  domain  was   more  than  doubled? 

Thrilling  were  the  achievements  of  George  Rogers  Clark  in  the 
winter  of  1778-9  and  grand  the  work  of  the  American  commis- 
sioners at  Paris  in  1783,  still  our  expansion  to  the  Pacific  is  a  tale 
of  pioneering.  The  ensigns  of  an  axe  on  the  shoulder  of  a 
pioneer, a  pack  horse, and  a  "prairie  schooner"  with  a  household  as 
occupants — all  facing  westward  -tipify  our  rise  to  a  world  power. 

Our  national  progress  towards  the  occupation  of  the  continent 
assumed  an  especially  interesting  phase  in  the  thirties.  During 
this  decade  all  conditions  were  maturing  for  that  grand  migratory 
on-sweep  across  the  plains  in  the  forties  and  fifties.  The  van- 
guard of  the  pioneers  had  reached  the  western  limits  of  Iowa,  Mis- 
souri and  Arkansas.  Settlement  of  the  plains  beyond  before  the  age 
o;'  railroads  was  out  of  the  question.  1'he  next  move 
then  must  be  as  it  were  a  flight  to  the  Pacific  coast 
where    communication    with  the    civilized  world    would    again 


xlv 


INTRODUCTION 


be  open  by  the  sea.  But  it  was  a  move  the  difficulties  and 
dangers  of  which  were  appalling.  All  the  previous  history  of  the 
v«'orld  had  enforced  the  principle  that  broad  belts  of  uninhabitable 
country  and  high  mountain  ranges  constituted  the  natural  limits 
of  national  territory.  To  overturn  this  god  Terminus  and  lead 
the  way  to  a  wider  and  higher  national  destiny  called  for  effort 
that  was  heroic.  Wyeth  and  Whitman  will  always  stand  as  re- 
presentative American  heroes  because  of  their  resolute  initiative 
and  achievement  in  connection  with  this  American  problem  of  ex- 
pansion to  continental  proportions. 

Let  us  note  the  elements  of  the  situation  at  the  opening  of  the 
year  1832, when  NathanielJ.Wyeth  had  tirst  matured  his  plans  for  an 
expedition  to  the  Oregon  Territory.  A  quarter  ofa  century  had  elaps 
ed  since  Lewis  and  Clark  had  threaded  the  valleys  of  the  upper  Mis- 
souri and  followed  the  watersofthe  Columbia  to  the  western  ocean. 
An  accurate  account  of  the  character  of  the  country  and  its  in- 
habitants had  been  immediately  given  to  the  world.  TheWinships 
in  1809  and  then  Astor  in  181 1  made  attempts  at  occupation  with 
trading  posts.  Nearly  twenty  years  had  now  gone  since  these 
ventures  had  suffered  dismal  discomfiture.  These  failures  had 
not  provoked  renewed  efforts  for  the  conquest  of  the  difficulties 
involved  in  the  occupation  of  the  Columbia  basin.  True,  there 
had  been  immediately  a  considerable  development  of  fur-trading 
activities  with  St.  Louis  as  a  base.  Annual  expeditions  by  two 
or  three  companies  were  made  to  the  headwaters  of  the  rivers 
flowing  to  the  Pacific.  Nov  and  then  American  trapping  and 
trading  parties  would  penetrate  to  California  and  far  down  the 
tributaries  of  the  Columbia.  But  American  enterprise  seemed  to 
quuii  before  the  difficulties  confronting  any  project  for  securing 
such  a  foothold  in  the  Pacific  Northwest  as  could  become  the 
nucleus  of  a  colony.  There  was  no  promise  in  the  posts  of  the 
fur  companies  scattered  sporadically  through  the  Rocky  moun- 
tains. 

The  English  were  our  only  persistent  rivals  for  the  possession 
of  t!ie  Columbia  basin.  Our  claim  to  it  was  fortified  by  priority 
in  discovery,  exploration  and  occupation.  Quite  different,  how- 
ever, was  the  outcome  of  their  ventures  for  joint  occupation  from 
the  disasters  which  befell  ours.  In  18 13  the  British  Northwest 
Company  purchased  what  was  little  more  than  the  wreck  of 
Astor's  outfit  at  Astoria.  A  few  months  later  an  English  man  of 
war  arrived  there  to  formally  seize  what  was  already  British  in 
sympathy.  By  the  terms  of  Article  I  of  the  treaty  of  Ghent,  18 15, 
all  places  "taken  by  either  party  from  the  other  during  the  war" 
were  to  be  restored,  and  accordingly  in  October  of  18 18  an  Ameri- 
can agent,  a  Mr.  Prevost,  received  the  nominal  restitution  of  what 
had  been  Astoria,  renamed  Fort  George.  The  American  occupa- 
tion of  the  Columbia  basin  had  dwindled  to  what  was  represented 
in  the  ceremony  of  hauling  down  the  British  flag  and  running  up 


INTROmCTION 


XV 


the  vStars  and  Stripes  in  the  presence  of  the  post  of  a  British  fur 
company,  tuc  crew  of  a  British  man  of  war,  and  a  solitary  agent 
of  the  American  government.  This  lone  American, further,  **sign- 
ed  a  receipt  for  the  delivery  of  Fort  George,  and  accepted  a  re- 
monstrance from  the  British  against  the  delivery  until  the  final 
decision  of  the  right  of  sovereignty  to  the  country  between  the 
two  governments."  A  few  days  later  he  was  hustled  away  and 
the  British  colors  were  again  floated  for  nearly  a  generation  above 
the  parapets  of  the  fort. 

With  the  consolidation  of  the  Northwest  and  Hudson's  Bay 
Companies  in  1821,  the  establishment  of  headquarters  at  Fort 
Vancouver,  and  the  effective  administration  ofDr.  JohnMcLough- 
lin  as  Chief  Factor  wet  of  the  Rocky  mountains  British  interests 
developed  at  a  wonderful  rate.  It  was  claimed  on  the  floor  of 
congress  that  "shares  in  the  Hudson's  Bay  Compay, which  origii  - 
ally  were  of  the  value  of  20  pounds  each,  were  now  selling  in  the 
market  at  the  enormous  price  of  200  pounds  sterling. "  And  again 
"that  shares  of  that  company  have  risen  from  sixty  to  two-hund- 
red and  forty  pounds  sterling."  With  the  growth  of  English  in- 
terests on  the  Columbia  English  claims  to  sovereignty  grew 
apace.  American  operations  were  confined  to  irregular  incursions 
by  fur-trading  parties  and  to  traffic  carried  on  with  natives  from 
the  decks  of  vessels  brought  into  the  inlets  of  the  coast.  The 
British  were  establishing  posts  and  extending  a  well -organized, 
lucrative  and  strongly  supported  trade. 

American  enterprise  pitted  against  English  on  the  Columbia  in 
the  line  of  fur  trading  operations  was  clearly  worsted.  It  is  not 
*iifficult  to  see  the  reasons  why  this  was  so.  The  Oregon  country 
lay  much  more  accessible  to  British  activity  than  to  ours.  Judg- 
ing merely  from  the  map  it  seemed  almost  equally  contiguous  to 
British  and  to  American  possessions.  The  forty-ninth  parallel 
had  deen  extended  to  the  Rocky  mountains  in  181 8  as  the  divid- 
ing line  between  the  United  States  and  British  America.  The 
southern  limit  of  the  Oregon  territory  was  the  forty-second  paral- 
lel, the  northern  boundary  was  fifty-four  degrees  and  forty  min- 
utes, hence  it  abutted  on  the  United  States  through  the  length  of 
seven  degrees  and  on  English  territory  through  Jiearly  six.  But 
considered  with  reference  to  actual  conditions  in  this  l)order  coun- 
try  the  advantage  of  the  English  is  patent. 

The  "Great  American  Desert"  was  never  represented  as  ex- 
tending into  the  region  lying  between  Lake  Superior  and  the 
Hudson  Bay  on  the  one  side  and  Rocky  mountains  on  the  other. 
A  vast  expanse  of  arid  plains  lay  as  a  barrier  between  St.  Louis, 
the  base  of  operations  of  the  American  companies,  and  the  game 
preserves  of  the  Rockies  and  Oregon.  This  region  had  to  be 
traversed  with  the  more  expensive  pack-horse  transit.  Before  the 
British  company  with  bases  on  Lake  Superior  and  the  Hud- 
son Bay  there  lay  stretched  an  uninterrupted  game  preserve  to  the 


ii 


i  ; 


svi 


INTRODUCTION 


headwaters  of  the  Columbia.  For  traversing  this  there  were 
wonderfully  convenient  natural  facilities  of  reticulated  water 
courses  making  easy  water  transits.  English  occupation  of  the 
Columbia  basin  was  but  a  slight  extension  of  a  long-established 
chain  of  posts.  American  occupation  as  contemplated  by  the  Win- 
ships,  by  Astor  and  again  by  Wyeth  depended  mainly  upon  com- 
munication by  sea  over  a  route  of  16,000  miles.  Formidable  as 
was  the  advantage  of  the  English  in  relation  to  contiguity,  her 
measure  of  advantage  as  represented  in  the  organization,  resources, 
personnel,and  experience  of  the  Hudson' s  Bay  Company  was  simply 
stupendous.  How  could  American  companies,  newly  organized 
with  raw  recruits  and  small  capital,  hope  to  cope 
with  a  corporation  possessing  in  sole  right  an  im- 
perial domain  enormously  rich  in  just  what  suited  its 
■aims,  a  capital  of  two  millions  and  available  assets  of  many  mil- 
lions more,  the  stability  that  activity  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
years  along  the  same  lines  gives,  and  as  its  working  torce  a  race 
bred,  adapted  and  trained  to  its  purposes  of  exploiting  this 
vast  region  with  its  unnumbered  tribes  to  its  profit?  I  |^ami>  re- 
ferring now  to  occupation  for  purposes  of  trade  with  the  Indians 
and  exploitation  of  the  region  for  furs  and  not  to  occupation,  for 
purposes  of  agriculture.  When  conditions  were  matured  for]  the 
pioneer  movement  the  very  influences  that  had  made  so  strongly 
for  England  in  the  lower  form  of  occupation  told  against  her  quite 
as  effectively  as  before  they  had  wrought  in  her  favor. 

For  the  time,  however,  the  agreement  between  the  English  and 
American  governments  to  a  joint  occupation  resulted  in  an  ex- 
clusive occupation  by  the  English  company.  And  immediately 
Floyd  in  the  House  (1820)  and  Benton  in  the  Senate  were  sound- 
ing the  alarm  that  we  were  in  danger  of  losing  Oregon.  They 
urged,further,  that  with  the  English  fortified  there  holding  influence 
over  the  Indians  our  northwestern  irontier  would  be  exposed  to 
depredations  like  those  suffered  during  the  English  occupation  of 
the  "Old  Northwest."  These  leaders  proposed  measures  to  pro- 
tect and  support  American  interests  on  the  Columbia.  The  mat- 
ter was  kept  before  Congress  almost  continuously  during  this  de- 
cade. President  Monroe  iti  his  annual  message  in  1824  also  urg- 
ed the  establishment  of  a  military  post  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Columbia  with  the  view  of  protecting  and  promoting  our  interests 
there.  Expansion  to  the  Pacific,  however,  v.'as  an  idea  that  did 
not  ill  the  twenties  recommend  itself  to  a  majority  of  the  two 
houses  of  congress. 

The  expense  of  the  proposed  undertaking  and  the  possibility 
that  the  step  would  be  viewed  by  England  as  a  violation  of  the 
terms  of  the  existing  treaty  and  thus  lead  to  war  were  deterring 
considerations  with  the  law -makers.  An  Oregon  community  as  a 
state  of  the  Union  was  generally  held  as  a  chimera  in  that  day  be- 
fore ocean  steamships  ptid  railway  locomotion. Those  constitution- 


INTRODUCTION 


xvii 


ally  conservative  without  the  gift  of  prophetic  vision  or  the  index  of 
manifest  destiny  could  not  but  regard  it  in  that  light.  Under  such 
conditif  >ns  to  lend  further  inducement  to  the  westward  movement  of 
a  people  already  possessed  of  a  perverse  bent  in  that  direction  seemed 
to  invite  a  luture  separation  into  Atlantic  and  Pacific  nations. 

The  termination  of  the  ten-year  agreement  in  1828  made  some 
diplomatic  action  on  the  matter  necessary.  England's  interests 
on  the  Columbia  were  now  too  substantial  and  preponderant  for 
her  to  recede  in  deference  to  any  claim  of  title  based  on  discovery  and 
exploration.  And,  further, deceived  as  to  the  character  of  the  country 
she  could  see  no  reason  fordoubting  her  ability  to  maintain  her  su- 
premacy there.  The  cause  of  the  United  Statescould  hardly  develop 
a  weaker  aspect  than  it  presented  at  that  time.  Both  were,  therefore, 
willing  to  bide  thi:ir  timeandcontinuethe  status  of  so-called  joint 
occupation   indefinitely  subject  to  termination  on  a  year's  notice. 

Our  chain  of  right  to  Oregon  had  snapped  in  our  failure  to  hold 
our  own  against  the  strongly  organized  English  trade.  But  we 
might  easily  forego  that  form  of  occupation  if  we  could  only  torge 
the  link  of  occupation  by  home-builders.  The  other  links  to  the 
chain  of  our  title  had  been  so  gloriously  welded  to  fail  at  this 
point  would  be  a  national  disgrace.  So  thought  many.  The 
idea  was  soon  to  warm  a  host  of  pioneers.  It  had  already  set  one 
mind  aflame. 

Hall  J.  Kelley,  a  Boston  school  teacher,  became  in  18 15  an  en- 
thusiast for  saving  the  Cegon  country  to  the  Union  through  col- 
onization. From  1824  on  he  gave  himself  up  to  the  work  of  agi- 
tation. In  1828  an  emigration  society  with  a  large  membersiiip 
was  organized.  This  was  incorporated  in  1 831,  and  the  spring 
of  1832  was  fixed  upon  as  the  time  for  setting  out  on  an  overland 
expedition  to  Oregon.  But  something  more  than  enthusiasm  was 
needed  to  get  an  expedition  even  mustered,  equipped  and  started 
for  Oregon,  to  say  nothing  of  conducting  it  successfully  through 
two  thousand  miles  of  wilderness. 

While  preparations  for  the  expedition  by  the  Boston  Coloniza- 
tion Society  were  in  progress  Nathaniel  J.  V/yeth,  then  twenty- 
nine  years  old  and  superintending  a  flourshing  business  with  some 
separate  interests  of  his  own,  became  impressed  with  the  idea  there 
was  a  role  for  him  in  executing  one  of  his  country's  trusts  for  civ- 
ilzation.  There  was  in  the  Oregon  territory  a  remnant  of  the  conti- 
nent still  to  be  subdued  toman's  higher  uses  and  he  felt  his  fitness 
for  the  work.  He  says,  "I  cannot  divest  myself  of  the  opinion 
that  I  shall  compete  better  with  my  fellow  men  in  new  and  untried 
paths  than  in  those  to  pursue  vvhich  requires  only  patience  and  at- 
tention.' '  He  partially  engaged  to  attach  himself  with  a  company 
to  the  expedition  planned  by  the  Society  of  which  Kelley  was  the 
secretary. 

Kelley,  the  moving  spirit  of  this  undertaking,  wished  to  trans- 
plant a  Massachusetts  town  to  Oregon  and  mrke  it  the  nucleus  of 


xviii 


INTRODUCTION 


a  new  stale.  He  hoped  to  repeat  with  appropriate  variations  the 
history  of  the  Puritan  colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay.  The  New 
Knglander  of  the  nineteenth  century, however,  was  not  so  ready  to 
sacrific:^  himself  for  an  idea  as  had  been  his  progenitors  of  the  seven- 
teenth. Unless  Kelley  could  organize  conditions  so  that  success 
seemed  certain, he  could  not  expect  the  enthusiasm  of  his  follows  s 
to  bear  them  on.  Such  conditions  he  could  not  organize.  Hi 
colony  failed  to  muster. 

Wyeth  had  proposed  to  incorporate  his  company  with  Kelley's 
colony  solely  for  the  strength  there  is  in  union.  When  Kelley 
began  to  falter  with  his  plans,  shift  dates  and  change  conditions, 
Wyeth  swung  clear  of  the  Oregon  Colonization  Society  and  or- 
ganized his  expedition  independently. 

The  motive  that  impelled  V/yeth  to  undertake  his  expeditions 
to  the  Oregon  country  was  that  .same  primal  instinct  that  has  been 
the  predominant  influence  in  producing  the  westward  movement 
of  the  Aryan  peoples  since  their  first  promptings  of  might.  The 
suggestion  was  received  by  Adam  in  the  Garden  of  Kden  when 
he  was  told  to  subdue  the  earth  and  have  dominion  over  its 
creatures. 

There  was  much  at  this  time  in  a  Boston  environment  to  bring 
the  Columbia  basin  very  close  to  the  consciousness  of  natures  en- 
dowed as  were  Kelley  and  Wyeth.  Boston  traders  had  so  far 
monopolized  the  American  trade  with  the  Indiana  on  the  Pacific 
coast  that  these  had  no  other  name  for  Americans  than  "Boston 
men"  The  Columbia  river  had  been  discovered  by  a  captain  in 
the  employ  of  a  company  of  Boston  merchants.  Wyeth  was 
cognizant  of  at  least  half-a-dozen  Boston  houses  that  had  grown 
wealthy  in  prosecuting  the  fur  trade  of  the  North  Paciticcoast. 

Kven  before  starting  Wyeth  had  appreciated  the  fact  that  the 
American  activities  beyond  the  Rockies  were  of  a  nomadic  order  and 
that  the  British  company  with  its  established  posts  was  supreme.  He 
knew  that  it  represented  a  higher  economic  organization  and  was 
impregnable  against  such  forms  of  assault  as  the  Americans  had  so 
far  brought  against  it.  He,  however,  believed  that  the  region 
from  the  Columbia  river  south  to  the  forty-second  parallel  and 
from  the  Rocky  mountains  west  to  the  ocean,  a  country  three 
hundred  by  six  hunred  miles  in  extent,  was  still  fairly  open  for 
occupation.  He  proposed  to  occupy  it.  He  expected  the  status 
of  joint  occupation  to  last  but  a  few  years  longer.  By  the  time 
of  its  termination  the  American  trade  from  vessels  would  have 
wholly  disappeared  before  the  more  economic  methods  of  the 
Hudson's  Bay  Company  and  his  own  and  he  would  he  left  in  sole 
possession  of  the  region  above  described. 

Wyeth  as  a  New  Englander  is  hardly  to  be  blamed  for  not 
having  foreseen  the  impending  pioneer  movement.  It  came  from 
the  western  frontier.  So  precipitately  did  this  sweep  on  and  con- 
stitute an  occupation  by  an  agricul«^'ral  population  that  there  could 


INTRODICTION 


XIX 


not  have  been  successful  a  occupation  by  American  traders  organiz- 
ed under  the  higher  form  with  established  posts.  Moreover.he  un- 
derestimated the  overwhelmitig  strength  of  the  Hudson's  Bay 
Company  and  its  grim  determination  not  to  brook  competition. 

His  was  not  to  be  a  hide-bound  fur  Irading  enterprise.  He  be- 
gan that  which  has  ))een  developed  into  the  great  salmon  industry 
of  the  North  Pacific  coast.  He  located  a  farm  in  the  Willamette 
valley.  It  was  his  purpose  to  select  those  branches  of  business 
for  which  he  deemed  his  company  most  compet','nt  and  which  ap- 
peared to  hold  out  the  best  prospects.  Had  he  been  able  to  get 
liis  enterprise  fairly  on  its  feet  his  keen  business  sagacity  would 
have  found  and  developed  those  lines  for  which  the  time  and 
countr>'  were  waiting. 

With  high  American  spirit  he  scorned  monopoly  privileges.  Dif- 
ference of  nationality  and  the  bitter  clash  of  business  interests  did 
not  act  as  a  bar  to  the  good  fellowship  and  mutual  regard  of 
Nathaniel  J.  Wyeth  and  Dr.  John  McLoughlin.  A  life-long  friend- 
ship was  cemented  between  them.  Fortunate,  itideed,  it  was  for 
the  Knglish  and  the  American  peoples  that  in  this  crisis  they 
were  represented  by  men  of  such  depth  of  character  and  largeness 
of  humanity.  The  restoration  of  the  correspondence  that  passed 
between  them  would  no  doubt  give  much  insight  into  the  moving 
forces  of  this  period  of  the  history  of  the  Pacific  Northwest. 

In  a  summary  of  his  views  on  the  Oregon  question  submitted  to 
a  Congressional  committee  in  I S39,  three  years  after  his  return 
from  his  second  expedition,  Wyeth  says:  "In  conclusion,  I  will 
observe  that  the  measures  of  this  [Hudson's  Bay]  Company  have 
been  conceived  with  wisdom,  steadily  pursued,  and  have  been  well 
seconded  by  their  government,  and  the  success  has  been  complete; 
and  without  being  able  charge  on  them  any  verj',  gross  violations 
of  the  existing  treaties,  a  few  years  will  make  the  country  west 
of  the  mountains  as  English  as  they  can  desire.  Already  the 
Americans  are  unknown  as  a  nation,  and,  as  individuals,  their 
power  is  despised  by  the  natives  of  the  land.  A  population  i? 
growing  out  of  the  occupancy  of  the  country,  whose  prejudices 
are  not  vviih  us;  and  before  many  years  they  will  decide  to  whom 
the  country  shall  belong,  unless  in  the  meantime  the  American 
government  make  their  power  felt  and  seen  to  a  greater  degree 
than  has  yet  been  the  case." 

Not  yet  had  he  discerned  the  rising  of  that  human  tide  on  the 
western  frontier  that  was  so  soon  to  overleap  the  two-thousand 
mile  barrier  of  arid  plains,  deserts  and  mountains  steeps.  Still  as 
Bancroft  says, "He  it  was  who, more  directly  than  any  other  man, 
marked  the  way  fcr  the  ox-teams  which  were  so  shortly  to  bring 
the  Americanized  civilization  of  Europe  across  the  roadless 
continent." 


m 


Hii'i 


CORRESPONDENCE    FROM    THE    LETTER    BOOK    OF 

CAPTAIN     NATHANIEL    J.     WYETH, 

Referring  to  His  Expeditions. to  Oregon. 


I. 

Philad     Augt  30th     1831 
Hall  J  Kelley   Esq.  (Genl   Agent   for  the   Oregon   Colonization 

Society  Boston) 

Dear  Sir  I  write  to  inform  you  that  I  shall 
not  return  as  soon  as  I  expected  having  been  detained  here  on 
buisness.  I  shall  be  in  Boston  about  the  6th  of  next  month,  and 
will  see  you  as  soon  thereafter  as  practicable  in  regard  to  my  ap- 
plication for  a  scituation  in  the  first  expedition  to  the  Oregon 
Country. 

l5oct  Jacob  Wyeth  a  brother  of  mine  now  practicing  Medicine 
and  Surgery  in  N.  Jersey  at  Howell  Furnace,  wishes  me  to  enter 
his  name  as  an  applicant  for  the  birth  of  Surgeon  in  one  of  the 
companies  of  the  first  expedition,  which  scituation  he  is  desirous 
of  obtaining  only  in  the  event  of  a  scituation  being  offered  me 
which  I  shall  accept,  he  not  wishing  to  remove  to  that  Countr\' 
without  me.  Hf^  is  thirty  three  years  old  or  thereabout  was  edu- 
cated at  Harvd.  University  studied  medicine  with  Mr  Revere  of 
Baltimore  and  Doct  Shattuck  of  Boston  and  attended  Lectures  in 
Boston  was  regularly  graduated  as  a  Phisician,  he  is   unmarried. 

I  am  yr  obt  Servt     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 


II. 


1 83 1 


one 


Cambridge     Oct  5th 
Bro  Charles     (Baltimore) 

I  have  received  your  favour  in  reply  to  a  former 
of  mine.  The  expression  of  good  feelings  that  it  contains  you 
may  be  assured  are  gratifying  to  my  feelings,  p[a]rticularly  un- 
der present  circumstances. 

All  earthly  things  are  uncertaiq  and  none  more  so  than  those, 
the  accomplishment  of  which  depend  upon  others  and  this  is  the 
case  in  regard  to  the  expedition  to  Oregon,  there  is  no  other 
doubt  of  my  going  except  the  failure  of  the  whole  concern  but  as 


CORRESPONDRNCR: 


[59 


this  is  possible  I  do  not  wish  you  to  take  the  trouble  to  come  here 
to  utter  your  last  speech  and  dying  confessions  at  present.  The 
moment  I  find  there  is  any  certainty  of  their  going  I  will  write 
you. 

My  plan  is  to  go  out  there  and  carry  with  me  what  property  I 
can  spare  after  leaving  a  support  for  my  wife,  and  do  what  I  can 
with  it.  It  will  perhaps  not  much  more  than  get  me  there,  and 
after  finding  what  can  be  done  in  the  fur  trade,  or  other  buisness, 
write  to  friends,  whom  I  shall  prepare  before  hand,  to  send  me 
the  means  of  doing  buisness,  of  these  friends  I  mean  you  to  be 
one,  Leond.  another,  and  a  third  here.  More  I  caji  have  if 
wanted  but  would  rathfer  confine  myself  to  these,  and  what 
money  I  can  make  for  myself  or  those  in  whom  I  have  an 
interest 

NJW 

III. 

Cambridge     Oct  5th     1831 
Bro.  Jacob     (Howell  Furnace  N.  J.) 

Yours  of  the  22  nd  ulto  is  at  hand.  Many  women 
are  going,  but  for  m^'^  own  part  I  would  not  carry  one  iti  the  first 
expedition  they  will  of  course  ride,  the  route  is  practicable  for 
horses.  I  will  make  riding  provision  for  your  wife  I  fear  no 
diflRculty  on  the  route  for  any  one,  but  some  for  the  first  year 
after  gecting  there.  Would  it  not  be  better  to  defer  marrying  un- 
til your  wife  can  get  out  there  by  means  of  the  second  expedition? 
The  amt.  of  salary  which  you  will  receive  is  not  worth  the  trouble 
of  asking  about.  If  th"?  expedition  is  successful!  you  will  reap  a 
rich  harvest  from  the  buisness  of  the  country'  if  otherwise  you 
will  loose  your  time,  the  salary  which  Kelley  refers  to  will  be  paid 
you  for  services  as  an  appendage  to  an  army  and  the  duties  of 
3'our  place  will  not  admit  of  general  practice  because  3'our  corps 
will  be  moveable.     I  will  pay  over  the  $20  for  your  ace. 

The  expedition  does  propose  to  leave  this  the  ist  Jany.  but 
most  of  such  appointments  are  delayed  beyond  the  time  set,  all 
you  have  to  do  Is  to  close  your  accounts  as  fast  as  you  can, 
and  I  will  infoitn  you  as  soon  as  I  know  myself  the  time  wh'^n  it 
is  necessary  to  start  from  your  place  to  meet  us.  All  the  prepara- 
tion I  will  make  for  you.  Surgical  instruments  clothing  &c  we 
will  purchase  on  the  route  in  the  cities  through  which  we  pass, 
and  if  requisite  and  with  your  leave  draw  on  Leond  for  what  is 
necessary  for  your  fixtures.  The  route  will  take  in  Boston,  N 
York,  Philad.  Balto.  Cincin[n]ati  St  Louis,  thence  in  a  right  line 
acrost  to  the  Rocky  Mountains  overland  to  near  Santa  Fee  where 
there  is  a  pass  in  the  mountains  thence  a  N.  W.  course  to  meet 
Lewis  river  down  which  we  go  to  the  Columbia  river,  the  place  of 
our  destination  distance  from  St  Louis  about  2000  miles.  The 
b[e]st  manner  you  can  invest  your  property'  except  what  is  requi- 


6o1 


WYRTH'S    OREGON     EXPKDITIONS. 


site  to  equip  you  for  the  Journey  is  to  leave  it  at  interest  as  a  re- 
sort in  case  of  failure  in  your  objects  out  there.  Books  are  too 
cumbersome  to  carry  out,  the  knowledge  must  go  in  your  head 
the  books  can  be  got  by  the  second  expedition,  and  the  instru- 
ments we  can  purchase  in  five  minutes  when  I  meet  you  in  New 
York.  The  first  expedition  are  all  to  be  soldiers,  as  much  land 
as  wanted  can  be  bought  of  the  Co.  200  acres  is  to  be  a  privates 
portion  what  the  officers  are  to  have  I  have  not  enquired. 

N.  J.  W. 
IV. 

Cambridge    Oct  17  th     1831 
To  Col  J  W  Neil     Boston 

Dear  Sir  In  the  absence  of  the  Genl. 
Agent  for  the  Oregon  Colonization  Society  I  take  the  liberty  of 
addressing  to  you  the  following  queries  viz  Whether  any  persons 
which  I  may  induce  to  join  the  first  expedition  will  be  attached 
to  my  Company.  Whether  it  is  expected  that  a  person  receiving 
the  appointment  of  a  Surgeon  is  expected  to  pay  the  Society'  $20 
mentioned  in  their  3rd  Circular  as  a  loan  and  whether  there  will 
be  a  surgeon  appointed  to  each  Company  and  if  so  whether  a 
brother  of  mine  who  has  received  an  assurance  from  Mr  Kelley 
of  an  appointment  will  be  connected  with  my  company. 

An  answer  to  these  particulars  and  also  any  information  which 
you  may  be  disposed  to  commun  cate  in  regard  to  the  certainty 
of  an  expedition  at  all,  the  numbers  which  may  be  expected  to  go 
in  the  first  expedition  the  rouU^  to  be  taken  after  leaving  St. 
Louis,  the  time  when  to  be  commenced  &c  &c,  and  also  when  I 
may  call  on  you  to  confer  upon  these  subjects  will  be  thankfully 
received  bv 

Yr.  obt.  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

V. 

Cambridge     Nov  nth     1831 
Brother  Charles  (Baltimore) 

W^ill  you  have  the  goodness  to  collect 
the  information  required  for  answering  the  questions  below  and 
as  soon  as  practicable  forward  me  answers  to  them.  This  infor- 
mation I  have  no  doubt  you  will  easily  obtain  from  many  of  your 
neighbors  and  customers  who  are  in  the  tobacco  buisness  either 
as  planters  or  venders  of  the  same,  be  pleased  to  give  your  an- 
swers as  definite  as  possible  and  be  certain  that  it  is  correct  as  it 
is  required  in  order  to  the  raising  the  article  as  one  of  trade  be- 
yond the  Rocky  Mountains  and  a  mistake  would  be  bad  buisness. 

I  St  Should  it  be  planted  as  early  in  the  season  as  to  be  entirely 
out  of  the  reach  of  Frost,  or  will  it  bear  a  slight  degree  of  it. 

2nd  How  should  the  seed  be  planted  in  the  field  where  it  is 
intended  to  grow?  or  in  beds  to  \^  transplanted? 


CORRESPONDENCE: 


[61 


3rd  In  what  scituations  and  soil?  with  manure  or  without?  in  a 
dry  or  wet  place? 

4th  How  thick  will  it  thrive 

5th  what  mode  of  culture  is  "required  weeding?  training,  gath- 
ering at  what  time 

6th  [What]  method  is  -used  to  cure  it  and  how  kept  after  it  is 
cured 

7  th  How  is  the  seed  obtained  at  what  time  gathered  How 
treated  and  kept  and  what  is  the  ordinary  quantity  required  per 
cwt.  of  the  product  usually 

Beside  these  queries  be  good  enough  to  make  any  remark 
which  you  think  will  be  usefuU  in  the  culture  of  the  plant. 

As  time  passes  on  the  project  of  emigration  assumes  form  and 
shape,  and  a  nearer  approach  toward  certainty.  I  think  there  is 
little  doubt  of  my  going,  for  I  find  that  I  can  get  good  men  who 
will  follow  me  on  a  trading  project,  on  the  basis  of  division  of 
profits,  and  this  thing  I  will  do  (if  I  can)  if  the  emigration  fails. 
I  believe  I  can  find  other  men  who  will  for  a  certain  other,  share 
of  profits  furnish  all  the  money  wanted  which  will  not  be  great, 
for  I  mean  to  have  a  cargo  ready  there,  before  a  vessell  leaves 
here  and  the  investment  will  be  only  the  trading  articles  sent 
out,  the  return  cargo  will  pay  the  freight,  and  possibly  be  in  time  to 
meet  the  notes  given  for  the  articles  sent  me.  It  is  about  10  months 
voyage  there  and  back.  It  appears  to  me  that  if  I  can  find  means 
to  get  the  men  out  there  with  articles  of  trade  suf[f]icient  with  their 
exertions  as  hunters,  smiths  &c  to  obtain  a  cargo,  that  finding 
persons  to  send  out  a  vessell  and  cargo  of  trading  articles  on  the 
strength  of  it  will  not  be  dif[f]icult.  This  I  have  no  doubt  I  can 
accomplish  to  the  extent  of  50  men  with  equipments,  and  articles 
of  trade  as  many  as  they  can  carry  with  some  iion  and  steel  for 
our  smiths  to  work  up,  and  traps  for  catching  furs,  and  with  them 
I  have  no  doubt  I  can  scrape  together  a  cargo  for  a  vessell  of  1 50 
Tons  in  the  course  of  a  year.  After  having  done  this  of  [or?]  so 
nearly  done  it  as  to  be  sure  of  doing  it  I  shall  write  home  for  the 
vessell  and  an  invoice  of  articles  of  trade,  which  from  my  then 
acquired  knowledge  I  shall  be  competent  to  do. 

Present  my  respects  to  all  your  folks  wife  and  little  one,  tell 
Charlie  I  am  going  where  I  can  catch  him  a  wild  horse  to  play 
with  I  think  the  Idea  will  take  his  fancy  much 

N.J.  W. 

P.  S.  Will  you  have  the  goodness  to  send  me  what  informa- 
tion you  can  respecting  the  route  from  your  City  to  Pitsburg,  and 
thence  to  St.  Louis  by  way  of  the  river.  Name  the  distance,  fare, 
and  mode  of  conveyance  from  Balto.  to  Pitsburg  the  fare  down 
the  river  whether  the  boats  will  take  Horses  and  Wagons  whether 
they  will  reduce  the  fare  in  consideration  of  our  number  sle[e]p- 
itig  on  deck  &c  or  not,  with  the  times  required  to  make   the   dif- 


62] 


WYETirS    ORRGON     RXPRDITIONvS. 


ferent  routes  with  any  other  information  you  may  be  able  to  add. 
I  wish  to  know  also  if  the  boats  go  in  the  night. 

VI. 

Cambridge  Nov  12th  1831 
Brother  Jacob  (Howell  Furnace   Monmouth   County  New  Jersey) 

In  case  the  contemplated  colonization  project 
should  fail  it  is  still  our  intention  to  go  to  the  new  Country  in 
which  case  we  shall  form  ourselves  into  a  Trading  Company  in 
furs.  It  is  the  object  of  the  present  letter  to  ascertain  whether 
•in  such  case  you  will  follow  us  in  your  capacity  as  surgeon  your 
compensation  will  be  a  certain  share  of  the  profits  of  the  concern 
and  your  exertions  in  forwarding  the  interests  of  the  concern  wiU 
be  required  not  only  in  administering  to  our  own  men  but  also 
to  the  Indians  the  pa^-ment  for  which  will  go  into  the  common 
stock  your  answer  is  wanted  immediately  if  in  the  affirmctive  x 
will  take  care  that  an  equitable  share  of  the  profits  is  obtained 
for  you  in  the  contract  and  other  requisite  provisions  made 
for  you 

I  am  &c     N  J  Wyeth 
VII. 
Cambridge    Nov  14th     1831 
Brother  Leonard  (New  York) 

I  write  to  request  you  to  collect  what  information 
you  can  in  respect  to  the  route  up  the  Hudson  and  through  the 
Canal  to  Buffaloe  thence  by  the  Lake  to  Erie  on  Lake  Erie  atid 
thence  by  the  Canal  to  Pitsburg  thence  down  the  Ohio  to  the  Mis- 
souri Branch  and  up  to  St  Louis 

Any  information  you  can  gather  respecting  these  routes  will  be 
valuable  and  is  wanted  in  order  to  the  fixing  of  a  route  for  our 
troops  We  wish  to  know  if  any  deduction  will  ba  made  in  con- 
sideration of  our  numbers  say  50,  what  are  the  rates  of  passages 
usualy  paid  a  person  and  per  Ton  for  Baggage  up  the  Hudson  to 
the  Canal  what  are  the  rates  on  the  Canal  for  person  and  Bag- 
gage at  what  rate  they  travel  on  it  whether  thev  travel  all  night 
whether  any  saving  could  be  made  by  marching  during  the  day 
and  taking  passage  during  the  night,  and  whether  their  rate  of 
traveling  is  faster  than  the  march  of  men,  what  the  expence  of 
toll  is  on  the  Canal  for  a  Boat  with  50  men  and  their  Baggage, 
what  is  the  facility  of  goiivg  from  Buffaloe  to  Erie  and  by  wliat 
means  and  what  rates  of  fare  and  what  distance  and  the  time  re- 
quired for  the  voyage,  what  the  Length  of  the  Canal  from  Erie  to 
Pitsburg  and  the  other  queries  relative  to  the  Hudson  and  the  I\rie 
Canal  as  above,  also  what  information  you  can  obtain  in  regard  to 
the  river  route  from  Pitsburg  to  St  Louis.  If  in  your  way  you  can 
also  give  me  some  information  concerning  the  route  from  N  York 
to  Pitsburg  by  way  [of]  Pliilad  and  Baltimore  making  as  little 
Land  traveling  on  said  route  as  possible  also  bear  in  mind  in  our 


CORRKSrONDKNCK: 


[63 


travel  we  cook  for  and  lodge  ourselves  and  will  for  suitable 
compensation  or  reduction  of  Fare  do  any  work  that  will  not 
retard  our  passage  and  rec^uire  nothing  but  the  uper  deck  if 
these  things  would  lessen  the  expence. 

If  the  Colonization  Society  go  through  with  their  project  I  shall 
go  out  in  their  service  if  not  I  shall  get  up  a  Joint  Stock  Trading 
Concern  (if  I  can)  and  go  on  with  a  similar  plan  but  on  a  smaller 
scale  the  details  of  which  I  will  give  you  as  far  as  settled  \yhen  you 
come  this  way  which  I  hope  will  be  before  the  ist  Jny  we  shall 
not  probably  start  before  ist  April  from  this  place  provided  we  go 
out  on  the  last  maned  [named?]  plan  [No  signature.] 

VIII. 

Cambridge    Nov  28,  1831 
Saml  S.  Hamilton  Esq  (Washington) 

Chief  clerk  of  Bureau  of  Indian  affairs 
Sir 

Having  in  contemplation  to  undertake  an  expedi- 
tion to  the  west  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  for  the  purpose  of  trade, 
and  to  that  section  of  the  coast  claimed  l)y  the  Americati  (iovt.  I 
am  desirous  of  obtaitiing  information  in  regard  to  the  Laws  regu- 
lating Indian  trade.  In  the  course  of  the  contemplated  expedi- 
tion transactions  maybe  had  with  tribes  this  side  of  the  Mountains. 
It  is  the  object  of  the  present  communication  to  request  of  you 
the  favor  of  pointing  out  to  me  the  best  mode  of  obtaining  this  in- 
formation, or  if  it  is  embodied  in  a  Pamphlet  form  at  your  office 
to  forward  the  same  to  my  direction.  In  case  I  have  applied  to 
the  wrong  person  for  this  information  will  you  have  the  goodness 
to  send  this  letter  to  the  proper  person  and  much  oblige 

Vr  Obt  Servt     N.  J.  W. 

IX. 

Cambridge    Dec  4th     1831 
Brother  Charles  (Baltimore 

Your  favour  of  28  Nov  is  at  hand  and 
contains  all  the  information  that  is  wanted  and  for  which  I  am 
much  obliged  to  you,  but  as  one  good  turn  deserves  another  I  will 
trouble  you  to  be  on  the  lookout  for  a  man  who  is  competent  to 
rearing  Tobacco  and  who  will  Join  our  expedition  on  the  terms 
hereinafter  mentioned  as  the  foundation  upon  which  all  the  others 
are  to  go  for  the  terms  are  to  be  all  alike  with  the  exception  ot 
myself  and  the  surgeon.  The  plan  now  proposed  by  me  is  to  have 
nothing  to  do  with  the  Oregon  Society,  but  to  form  a  Joint  Stock 
Concern  composed  of  50  persons  who  are  to  be  bound  to  each  other 
for  the  term  of  5  years  for  the  purpose  of  following  under  my 
direction  the  trade  and  buisness  of  that  Country  in  all  its  branches 
selecting  those  for  which  we  deem  ourselves  most  competent  and 
which  appear  to  us  to  hold  out  the  best  prospects  and  to  be  de- 
termined upon  on  the  spot  all  expenses  are  a  charge  against  the 


64] 


WYKTM'vS    ORRGON     KXPRDITIONvS. 


amount  of  proceeds,  Freight  Charter  party  Cost  of  goods  and  all 
disbursements  of  every  description  the  residue  after  this  deduction  is 
to  l)e  divided  into  50  equal  parts  8  of  which  are  to  be  mine  2  are  for 
the  Surgeon  and  Doctor  and  the  remaining  40  are  divided  equally 
among  the  men.  I  am  to  procure  all  credits  wanted  for  the  ex- 
pedition and  all  disbursements  necessary  for  their  fitting  out  with 
the  exception  of  their  personal  C([uipments  and  expences  as 
far  as  I'Vanklin  Missouri. 

This  plan  I  have  adopted  in  preference  to  hiring  all  the  men 
and  ta'cing  Capital  at  the  halves,  for  which  I  have  many  offers, 
liecause  I  thyik  that  hired  men  would  not  effect  so  much  as  those 
who  have  a  share  of  the  profits,  and  probably  could  not  be  kept 
together  at  all,  in  conseciuence  of  which  Half  profits  would  not 
amoutit  to  as  much  as  ray  present  plan  gives  me,  also  the  scitua- 
tion  I  would  be  in  would  be  more  difficult  and  attended  with  more 
risque  as  pay  of  men  would  amount  to  a  large  sura  and  would 
have  to  be  paid  prolits  or  no  profits.  This  plan  obliges  me  to  raise 
some  5000$  for  articles  of  trade,  munitions  of  hunting,  stock  for 
manufacturing  and  the  like  including  horses  from  St.  Louis  to 
carry  baggage,  and  a  few  provisions  $2000  to  $2500  I  shall  have 
to  borrow  of  you  and  Leonard,  for  I  will  not  ask  it  of  anyone 
else  even  if  I  go  without  it  and  if  you  agree  to  lend  it  to  me  j'ou 
will  get  it  again  if  I  ever  return  if  not  charge  it  to  my  ace.  in  the 
next  world  this  money  will  be  wanted  on  my  draft  from  X.  Or- 
leans or  St  Louis  given  about  the  20th  April.  Will  you  write 
we  whether  3'ou  can  lend  me  this  sum  or  half  of  it  as  soon  as  con- 
venient The  residue  say  2500  to  3000$  I  shall  have  of  my  own 
that  I  can  spare  from  the  support  of  my  wife.  With  regard  to 
the  vessell  and  cargo  of  Trading  articles  I  cannot  order  them  to 
advantage  until  I  know  the  trade  which  will  not  be  until  I  have 
remained  in  the  country  a  short  time,  and  I  ^/n///  not  order  au}-- 
thing  until  I  have  on  hand  a  return  cargo  of  the  results  of  our  ex- 
ertions, and  of  the  firsi  stock  taken  with  us,  as  a  pledge  to  offer 
those  persons  who  charter  me  a  vessell  and  which  being  insured 
on  their  passage  home  will  answer  as  a  remittance  to  pay  for  the 
articles  sent  out  by  the  vessell  whichif  purchased  at  a  credit  of  a 
year  they  will  be  in  good  season  to  pay  for,  and  this  buisness  too  I 
am  in  hopes  to  manage  between  you  and  Leonard,  and  I  do  not  see 
as  you  need  run  any  risque  in  this  last  matter  except  of  my  good 
faith,  as  the  operation  will  be  predicated  on  the  amount  of  avails 
which  we  have  at  the  moment  of  our  ordering  actually  on  hand 
and  to  which  may  be  also  added  all  that  will  be  collected  between 
the  time  of  ordering  the  vessell  and  her  arrival.  When  you  an- 
swer this  letter  which  do  soon  answer  what  you  are  able  to  do  in 
tliis  matter  also.  In  addition  to  the  offer  Mr.  Jarvis  made  me  of 
assistance  in  Xew  York  last  summer,  he  has  again  offered  me  by 
letter  any  assistance  which  I  may  want.  This  is  very  good  in  him 
and   will   be  duly  remembered,  but  I  do  not  wish  to  avail  myself 


coRR  I':spondi':nci:: 


[65 


of  it  if"  I  can  avoid  it  wliich  I  am  confident  that  I  .shall  be  able  to 
do.  Something  however  depends  upon  your  answer.  The 
reason  why  I  wish  not  to  accept  of  Mr.  Js  ofler  is  that  I  have 
no  claim  upon  his  kindness  and  I  can  offer  him  no  prospect  of 
profit  lie  for  the  first  five  years  at  least  all  the  profit  which  /can 
sfiare  must  go  to  those  who  earn  them,  but  after  the  expiration 
of  the  first  term  ray  acquired  knowledge  will  be  such  as  to  war- 
rant me  in  taking  charge  of  a  buisness  in  which  it  would  be  safe 
and  profitable  to  invest  money  to  a  large  amount  and  then  those 
who  assist  me  now  will  receive  their  reward,  but  at  present  men 
have  not  confidence  enough  in  the  enterprise  to  embark  their 
persons  in  it  unless  they  can  have  a  large  share  of  the  profits. 

I  think  you  had  best  aliandon  the  idea  of  coming  on  here  this  fall 
or  winter  at  least  until  further  news.  It  is  most  probable  I  shall 
pass  through  your  city  on  my  route  to  Pitsburg.  As  far  as  I  now 
know  a  packet  from  this  to  your  place  will  be  the  best  plan. 

My  best  respects  to  wife  and  remember  his  uncle  to  the  little 
Boys. 

I  am  afFtly  yrs     Nat  hi  J.  Wyeth 


Cambridge    Dec  5th    1831. 
Trother  Leonard  (N.  York) 

Since  writing  you  last  I  have  received  from  Jacob 
an  order  on  you  at  sight  for  5^600.  This  I  obtained  from  him  on 
account  of  his  outfit  which  I  can  make  to  more  advantage  for  him 
than  he  can  for  himself  $100  is  the  extent  of  what  I  shall  spend 
for  him  on  this  account,  and  this  sum  will  be  wanted  about  ist 
April  certainly  not  before,  and  can  probably  be  taken  up  in  Bal- 
timore of  Charles  for  in  all  probability  our  route  will  be  by  pack- 
ett  from  this  -o  Balto.  direct  and  thence  to  Pitsburg.  The  resi- 
due of  the  Draft  please  retain  in  your  hands  in  the  same  manner 
as  though  it  had  been  accepted  by  you,  this  in  order  that  he  may 
not  make  a  pretext  of  the  expedition  for  spending  the  little  re- 
maining money  he  has  and  which  if  given  to  his  order  will  be  en- 
tirely useless  to  him  and  to  the  expedition. 

The  colonization  Society  have  so  far  altered  their  plan  as  to  join 
the  first  and  second  expeditions  into  one  and  both  go  by  the  way 
of  St.  lyouis,  Platte  River  Lewis  River  Lake  Tirapanagos,* 
Columbia  &c.  This  plan  I  do  not  like  as  women  and  children 
can  not  get  started  from  St  Louis  before  the  ist  July.  They  do 
not  propose  to  set  out  before  the  ist  June  and  there  will  be  at 
least  one  months  falling  off  from  the  time  set.  This  with  the  un- 
avoidable delay  of  such  a  cavalcade  will  make  the  ist  Sept.  before 
reaching  the  pass  of  the  Rocky   Mountains  at  the  head  of  the 

*"A  map  of  the  Internal  Provinces  of  New  Spain"  given  with  Coues"'Ex- 
pedition  of  Z.  M.  Pike"  practicall)'  identifies  this  with  the  Great  S:dt  Lake 
of  Utah. 


66| 


wvETirs  oRrcoN  KxrKniTioNs. 


Platte  River  and  this  is  but  half  way  and  it  is  necessary  to  reach 
the  placo  of  Destination  a  sufficient  time  before  the  ist  Nov  to 
make  provision  for  the  winter  as  al)out  that  time  a  s^'^'^t  part  of 
the  Indians  from  whom  supplies  might  be  had  as  well  as  the  great- 
er part  of  the  Birds  and  IJeasts  leave  the  comitry  for  southern 
quarters  a;id  the  fish  leave  the  River  for  the  Sea,  and  a  i)arty  so 
composed  and  so  large  will  call  for  all  the  exertions  of  all  the  men 
attached  to  th.em,  and  then  leave  much  undf)ne  that  might  con- 
duce to  the  comfort  of  the  party,  and  in  this  way  it  will  be  at 
least  a  year,  and  I  fear  longer,  before  we  shall  get  any  time  to  de- 
vote to  the  purj)oses  for  which  we  go  out  viz.  making  mc)ney,  and 
for  this  they  offer  only  the  poor  .  dvantage  of  200  acres  of  land, 
which  is  hardly  a  quid  pro  tpio,  ])eside  which  there  is  some  dan- 
ger that  they  may  get  into  so  much  dinculty  as  to  be  obliged  to 
return,  which  would  be  an  entire  defeat  of  our  enterprise,  for  it 
would  be  hard  to  get  men  to  travel  over  the  same  ground  twice. 
It  is  quite  as  much  as  I  can  do  to  get  good  men  the  first  time  atid 
after  one  failure  it  will  not  be  possible  to  get  them  to  start  again. 

These  considerations  have  induced  me  to  delay  entering  into 
any  agreement  with  them  until  the  last  moment,  and  not  then 
unless  I  am  better  satisfied  with  their  arrangement  than  1  am  now. 
If  the  advantages  appertaining  to  the  vSociety  can  be  obtained 
without  a  material  sacrifice  of  my  own  ol)jects  I  will  join  them 
but  not  otherwise. 

My  plan  (in  whicli  I  have  proceeded  so  far  as  to  raise  "•6 
men)  is  to  raise  50  men  to  go  out  to  that  country  so  early 
as  to  leave  St.  Louis  on  the  ist  May  1S32  for  the  purpose 
of  following  the  trade  of  that  country  in  all  its  branches 
for  which  we  deem  ourselves  competent.  Many  of  these 
men  are  manufacturers  in  the  various  branches  of  iron  work  man- 
facturing  of  arms  and  ammunition  and  a  few  to  cultivate  such  ar- 
ticles as  are  of  use  to  ourselves  and  in  the  Indian  trade  such  for  in- 
stance as  tobacco.  The  proceeds  of  the  exertions  of  these  men 
are  to  be  divided  into  50  equal  parts,  2  of  which  are  to  belong  to 
Jacob  if  he  goes  out  as  surgeon  or  to  whoever  is  surgeon  8  to  my- 
self and  40  to  the  48  remaining  men  or  fit  the  same  ratios  for  a 
diferent  number  of  men.  I  am  to  furnish  all  the  camp  equipage 
and  trading  articles  necessary  for  our  first  outfit  to  the  extent 
of  5000$,  and  to  procure  credit  for  the  Co.  for  a  ve.ssell  and  an 
Invoice  of  trading  articles  to  be  ordered  to  that  country  when  a 
quantity  of  avails  sufiiicient  to  secure  the  payment  for  the  same 
has  been  collected.  The  first  disbursement  of  5000$  as  well  as 
ihe  freight  and  cost  of  articles  sent  out  and  all  other  disburse- 
ments of  every  description  are  to  be  deducted  from  the  gross  pro- 
ceeds before  the  division  mentioned  above  in  other  words  for  fur- 
nishing the  use  of  5000$  in  cash,  and  the  required  credit  for  ves- 
sell  and  Invoice  of  articles  for  which  I  have  the  goods  to  pledge  1 
am  to  have  the  exertions  of  7  men    beside   myself.     This  though 


lO 


c()RRr:sP()Ni)r;xci';: 


[67 


;1 


not  :i  laru^e  share  of  .(Tross  profits  is  a  j^^ooci  share  oF  nett  profits, 
and  I  shall  have  to  strain  some  to  acv-oniplish  ni>'  part  of  the  con- 
tract. 2500  or  3<x)o5  of  the  cash  I  have  (Jii  hand  the  residue  I 
must  borrow  aud  I  hope  to  he  able  to  ^et  it  between  you  and 
Charles.  I  also  hope  to  jjet  you  or  Charles  to  manage  the  getting 
me  a  vessell  to  bring  the  articles  I  send  for  and  bring  home 
those  I  have  collected.  The  vessell  may  be  taken  up  and  the 
freight  to  be  ])aid  on  the  delivery  of  the  home  cargo  and  thus  far 
managed  witliout  money,  aud  ])robably  the  goods  sent  for  might 
be  purchased  on  rui  obligation  to  pay  at  the  end  of  the  year  or  on 
the  return  of  the  vessell  and  the  consideration  for  length  of 
credit  made  in  the  price,  aud  for  security  the  home  bouiul  cargo 
insured,  an  invoice  of  which  I  will  send  you  when  the  order  is 
sent  for  the  vessell  and  the  goods.  If  you  feel  disposed  to  favor 
me  so  far  as  to  lend  me  on  ist  Ajiril  next  the  whole  or  half  of  the 
cash  wanted  over  and  above  what  I  have  say  20005  or  2500  if  the 
whole  and  loon  to  1500^;  if  you  can  furnish  but  half  and  take  up- 
on yourself  to  manage  the  sending  out  of  the  vessell,  you  would 
favor  roe  })y  answering  in  the  affirmative.  I  know  it  will  be  in- 
convenient for  you  but  at  some  rate  or  other  I  must  accomplish 
it  and  I  at  present  know  of  no  other  means  without  I  resort  to 
Mr.  Jarvis  wlio  has  recently  made  tue  an  offer  of  assistance  by 
letter  but  I  feci  an  alm(«t  insuperable  objection  to  u.sing  him  or 
puting  myself  under  any  oliligations  to  him.  I  have  offers  of 
plenty  of  cash  for  half  profits  l)Ut  in  this  case  so  small  a  share  of 
prolits  can  be  offered  the  men  that  good  ones  cannot  be  induced 
to  go  and  hiring  must  be  resorted  to  and  I  ajiprehend  that  a  j  it 
of  hired  men  would  make  m^^  scituation  very  difiicult.  They 
would  desert  me,  would  be  idle  while  in  the  employment  and  if 
not  their  pay  alone  would  take  a  large  share  of  the  ]irolits  and 
render  m}-  then  half  profits  a  smaller  sum  than  my  present  16  per 
cent,  besides  the  greater  dificulty  of  getting  up  an  expedition  on 
such  a  fotnidation. 

Please  write  me  what  time  I  may  expect  you  this  month  or 
when  I  may  think  of  seeing  you  if  you  cannot  come  this  month. 
It  is  quite  requisite  that  I  should  see  you  before  I  to  and  I  appre- 
hend if  I  see  you  at  all  it  must  be  here  for  unless  your  informa- 
tion is  more  fivorable  than  I  expect  in  regard  to  the  Canal  and 
Lake  Erie  route  I  shall  take  packett  from  here  direct  to  Baltimore. 

The  country  looks  like  the  spirit  of  Winter  had  passed  over  it 
in  tempest  and  frost  leaving  a  legacy  of  a  foot  of  snow  behind 
him  and  a  gale  of  wind  from  the  N.  W.  I  hope  the  cold  will  con- 
tinue until  I  am  done  icing  which  will  be  with  good  luck  ajjout 
in  time  for  a  move.  I  am  now  all  in  heaps  having  j  ust  moved 
into  my  new  house  and  things  are  not  yet  put  to  rights. 

Be  pleased  to  give  my  affectionate  regards  to  your  good  wife 
and  kiss  the  little  ones  for  their  uncle  Nat.  and  believe  that  1 
remain  Y    Afte    Bro.         X.  J.  W. 


fiSl 


WVJ-.TH'S    ORKCON     HXI'MDITION'S. 


II 


XI. 

Dec.  Sth   iH^^i 
I'rother  Jacol) 

(Howell  i'uniacc  Monmouth  Cy.  N.  Jersey) 

Yours  of  the  25tli  ulto.  is  at  hand  coiitaiiiiiifj;  your  answer  in 
the  aftinuative  to  my  ([uery  "of  whether  in  case  the  ( Jre^on  Col- 
onization fail  in  their  objects"  you  wonlil  join  a  tradinj^  expe- 
dition to  the  same  jiarts.  I  have  entered  your  name  as  one  of 
the  Co.  The  formation  of  a  Tradinj;  Co.  on  a  similar  ])lan 
to  the  Hudson  Hay  and  North  West  is  the  idtiraate  object  of 
my  ji^oinR  to  that  country,  and  t/iis  new  i)lan  is  no  farther  new 
than  so  far  as  to  form  the  Co.  here  in  stead  of  after  j^ettiiii:^  cnit 
to  the  place  of  destination,  and  to  this  alteration  I  am  induced 
by  a  fear  of  the  failure  of  their  plans,  and  a  desire  that  mine  may 
be  carried  into  elTect  in  any  case.  The  first  ]ilan  would  be  the 
best  in-as-mucli  as  men  tied  in  the  toils  of  such  exjieoitions, 
might  be  pickeil  out,  the  second  is  best  in  that  it  enables  me  to 
go  on  in  case  the  .Company  do  not,  and  also  to  go  on  indejiend- 
cntly  of  them  if  their  arrangements  are  such  as  do  not  meet  my 
approbation.  Now  in  the  first  place  I  think  they  will  fail  en- 
tirely of  g«:)ing,  but  supposing  they  do  not,  they  have  so  far 
clianged  their  plans  as  to  luiite  their  2  expeditions  into  one, 
comprising  a  host  of  men  who  are  merely  cultivators  of  the  earth, 
unused  to  any  hardships,  and  unwilling  to  meet  any,  women  and 
children  and  to  start  on  the  ist  June.  Vou  have  seen  how  true 
my  predictions  were  in  regard  to  their  first  start,  and  the>'  will 
be  equally  true  in  regard  to  this.  If  they  propose  the  ist 
June  they  will  not  cotainly  go  before  the  ist  July,  and  after  that, 
allowing  the  best  luck  they  will  not  reach  any  of  the  passes  of 
the  Mountains  before  the  ist  vSeptember,  and  that  is  the  latest 
month  of  their  proper  arrival  at  their  place  of  destination,  and  is 
only  half  the  way  from  St  Ivouis.  Vou  may  judge  yourself  how 
much  such  a  host  must  suffer  h\  arriving  at  their  Destination  at 
the  Commencement  of  winter,  when  the  natives  (of  whom  sup- 
plies may  oe  had),  leave  the  coiuitry,  as  well  as  beasts,  IJirds  and 
iishes,  and  also  that  it  is  a  sacrifice  of  one  years  time  in  our  buis- 
ness  and  for  which  we  gain  nothing  but  such  a  tittle  as  they  can 
give  us  of  200  acres  of  land  each.  This  is  not  a  "([uid  pro  quo" 
and  if  they  manage  their  liuisness  as  I  apprehend  they  mean  to 
do  I  shall  wash  my  hands  clean  of  them,  at  least  if  I  can  get 
along  with  my  plan  without  them. 

In  this  state  of  tlie  case  I  have  not  paid  to  them  the  20%  on 
your  account,  but  have  made  an  arrangement  by  which  if  I  choose. 
I  can  with  all  my  Co.  be  exempt  from  paying  the  «ame  by  being 
answerable  for  all  the  disbursements  of  my  Co.  aftar  leaying  vSt. 
Ivouis  and  still  retain  the  ordinary  iiriviledgcs  of  emigrants.  1 
shall  not  make  my  election  until  I  find  v.iiat  their  arrangements 
are  in  order  to  see  whether  it  is  worth  while. 


13 


LMIURKSrONDIvXCi;: 


f6.; 


'I'he  loimdatioti  of  the  division  ofjirolils  in  tins  ronc'rn  will  he, 
niyst'lf  tor  fiirnishinjj;  the  re(|iiisite  o:ipit;il  ;in<l  leading  the  same  S 
parts  The  surv^eon  2  \y.iris  |.S  nwn  poparts,  the  wliolc  i)r>)fils  I)f'- 
in.^  divided  into  50  parts;  division  at  the  cud  of  tiie  eontraol  vi/  5 
years. 

Vonr  Draft  has  ])jen  thily  received  and  please  notify  Leonard 
that  it  has  been  ^iven,  all  arrangements  I  will  notif>'  to  \-oii 
in  season  only  one  suit  of  clothes  will  he  rcciuired  for  you  and 
this  one  suitable  to  apjiear  like  a  j^entleman  in  the  ]ilaces  throuj^h 
^vhich  we  ^o.  A  luiiform  dress  will  be  provided  Ibr  vou  and 
arms.  Keep  all  your  surgical  instruments  but  buy  no  more  We 
will  buy  them  in  IMiilad.  or  I'alto.  as  we  goon,  which  will  be  about 
the  ist  April  next  whether  the  .Society  go  or  not.  I  xlitill  dcU^y 
no  longer.  In  the  mean  lime  conlimie  your  buisuess  or  if  you 
must  come  this  way  before  you  go  close  it  and  ([uit  it  and  go  [o]u 
with  ns.  The  chief  cost  of  the  journey  will  be  coming  this  wa>-  for 
I  shall  travel  cheaplv  oa  the  nnite  outwartls. 

Vrs      X.  J.   W. 

XII. 

Cambridge     Dec.   19th      1S31. 
To  the  Hon.  \\.  iCverett 

Sir 

Ivnclosed  you  have  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Xuttall  containing  in  part  luy  views  in  regard  to  this  application 
to  the  executive.  I  have  to  repeat  that  no  view  ()f  emolument 
induces  it  Init  only  a  desire  to  sjrve  the  views  of  the  (iovt.  in  re- 
gard to  that  Country.  It  has  occured  to  me  that  theCJovt.  might 
avail  itself  of  my  services  to  obtain  information  concerning  that 
Country  which  in  time  would  be  useful  to  them.  I  would  v.ill- 
ingly  devote  a  portion  of  my  time  to  their  service  without  other 
ci)m])ensation  than  the  respectability  attached  to  all  tliose  wh:) 
serve  their  country,  and  the  advantage  of  having  some  employ- 
ment for  tlie  mind,  in  a  buisuess  that  will  afford  much  Leisure. 

In  order  to  t)ie  better  understanding  [of]  my  advantages  for 
collecting  information  I  will  detail  to  you  my  plan  of  operations, 
which  is  the  formation  of  a  Joint  .Stock  Tradin^^  Company  of 
about  50  men  to  proceed  to  the  Country,  without  positively  set- 
tling the  particular  buisuess  in  which  they  will  engage  but  to  be 
dictated  i)y  circumsnances  when  there  (probably  the  fur  buisuess 
will  be  selected).  This  company  will  leave  this  vicinity  some 
time  from  the  ist  March  to  the  ist  April  ne':t.  31  persons 
have  already  entered  their  names.  This  body  will  go  out  in 
company  with  the  Oregon  Colonization  Society  provided  that  so- 
ciety do  go  at  about  that  time,  but  will  go  without  them  in  case  they 
do  not  move  near  the  time  above  named,  and  are  to  be  no  other- 
wise coiuiected  with  them,  than  may  be  dictated  by  convenience  on 
the  route  as  far  as  the  sources  of  the  Columl)ia.     The  contract  hy 


7"] 


\VVF-:TirS  OKI-CON   IvXl'I'DITIONS. 


13 


which    this  Co.  is  houiul    lojrelher  is  to  continue   chirinjf  5  years, 
and  if  snccessfull  is  to  he  extended  through  an  indefinite  time. 

I  have  to  ask  that  you  will  communicate  this  offer  to  the  (lov- 
ernmentin  case  you  deem  proper,  or  if  you  think  it  better  that  I 
make  application  personally!  with  relFerence  to  you)  I  will  do  so,  hut 
I  have  to  re(iuest  you  in  nuch  case  to  inform  me  what  department 
of  I  should  apply  to  for  this  purpose.  In  conclusion  I  must  ask 
yor  to  excuse  the  liberty  I  have  taken  in  troubling  an  entire 
stranger  witn  ray  aff"airs  but  I  am  induced  to  do  so  l)}-  your  well 
known  re[a]diness  to  serve  vour  constituents  and  your  ability 
to  do  so. 

I  am  Respectfully  Vr.  Obt.  vServt.      Nathl  J.  W'yeth 

1'.  S.     In  case  you  should   answer   this,  it  would    much  oblige 
me  if  you   would   indicate  some    method   by  which  I  can  obtain 
copies  of  two  treaties  in  regard  to  the  Country  claimed  by  the  V. 
S.  on  the  Pacific   Ocean,  and   made    with  (i.  H.  somewhere  about 
the  years  1.S17  &:  1S2S. 

XIII. 

Cambridge     Dec   26th     1831 
Hro  Jacob 

(Howell  Furnace  Monmouth  Cy.  N.  Jersey) 
Yours  of  the  16  inst.  at  hand.  I  wrote  you  on  the  Sth  Dec. 
an  answer  to  your  letter  of  25th  of  Nov.  last  the  following 
is  a  summary  of  my  letter  of  the  Sth  inst.  That  I  considered 
5'our  letter  as  an  engagement  on  your  part  to  go  to  that  Country 
as  a  member  of  a  trading  Co.  in  case  the  Society  do  not  go.  That 
the  Society  have  so  far  altered  their  plans  as  to  join  their  two  ex- 
peditions into  one.  That  I  considered  this  joining  of  the  two  ex- 
peditions as  ver>' objectionable  in-as-much  as  it  encumbers  us  with 
a  heavy  mass  or  women  and  children  and  other  helpless  persons 
whereby  great  delay  and  probable  failure  will  ensue.  That  I  have 
not  paid  in  the  20S  on  your  account  but  have  made  an  arrange- 
ment by  which  with  all  ray  Co.  I  can  be  exempt  from  paying  the 
same  by  being  answerable  for  all  our  expenses  after  leaving  St. 
lyouis,  and  still  retain  the  ordinary  priviledges  as  emigrants.  That 
I  should  not  make  my  election  whether  to  be  answerable  for  the 
said  expence  or  pay  in  the  20$  until  the  last  moment.  That  the 
foundation  of  the  division  of  profits  would  be  S  parts  to  myself 
for  leading  and  furnishing  the  recjuired  capital,  2  parts  to  the 
surgeon  40  parts  to  be  diveded  among  the  men,  contract  to  last 
5  years.  That  your  draft  had  been  received  and  requested  you 
to  inform  Leonard  that  the  same  had  l)een  drawn.  That  one 
suit  of  clothes  will  be  requisite  for  you  and  this  one  suitable  to 
appear  as  a  gentleman  in,  a  uniform  dress  will  be  provided  for  you. 
To  keep  all  your  surgical  instruments  but  to  buy  no  more,  they 
are  to  bp  got  in  Balto.  We  go  a])Out  the  1st  April  next 
certainlv  not  later. 


14 


CORRKSPONDKNCK: 


[71 


'.i  i 


The  iibove  is  a  short  summary  of  my  hist  letter  to  you  this  let- 
ter )'ou  have  probably  received  before  this  time.  I  have  to  re- 
quest that  you  will  continue  your  buisness  to  the  last  moment. 
I  will  notify  you  in  season  of  our  movement  from  this  place,  and 
as  far  as  I  can  see  ttiis  will  be  the  ist  March  from  here  in  a  ves- 
sell  to  Balto.  to  which  place  you  can  then  transfer  your  person 
and  baggage,  a"  of  which,  not  suitable  to  carry  can  be  packed 
and  left  for  a  future  conveyance  by  water.  Your  request  in  re- 
gard to  the  Centinel  shall  be  attended  to.  Your  reouest  to  ob- 
tain guarantee  and  commission  from  the  Society,  I  \v-ill  also  at- 
tend to  under  the  limitations  contained  in  my  last.  The  specu- 
lations at  the  close  of  your  letter  are  those  of  all  who  look  at  the 
map  but  neither  3'our  or  my  daj's  will  see  them  verified,  but  our 
enterprise  may  lay  a  foundation.  Leonard  has  just  left  here  and 
informs  me  that  your  funds  are  in  the  hands  of  Charles  and 
therefore  he  could  not  accept  your  draft.  This  draft  I  will  keep 
and  return  when  I  see  you  and  please  send  me  a  similar  one  on 
Cuarlc^ 

N.  J.  W 
XIV. 
Charleston     Dec  27th     1831 


Cap  Dixie  \\'ild  (Boston) 


Sir 


the   verbal 
wish  to  be 


In  putting  into  writing 
preposition  which  I  made  you  this  morning,  I  do  not 
understood  that  it  is  the  only  shape  in  which  it  would  be  accept- 
able, but  only  that  this  form  is  one  that  is  readily  understood  by 
the  parties,  and  I  should  conceive  that  in  this  way  each  would 
sooner  come  to  an  understanding  of  the  others  views  on  the  sub- 
ject. That  those  wl:o  furnish  the  vessell  and  articles  of  trade 
would  better  uuderstand  what  they  are  to  gain  by  such  risk  and 
trouble,  and  that  those  so  furnished  would  know  at  one  view 
what  they  are  to  pay  for  the  same.  If  this  view  meets  your  ap- 
probation you  have  only  to  say  for  what  per  ct.  you  will  enter 
into  the  requisite  engagements.  If  any  other  form  of  compact 
salts  you  better,  you  will  oblige  by  proposing  the  same.  That  a 
party  is  to  proceed  to  the  Country  near  the  sources  of  the  Colum- 
bia to  De  Fuca  streights  as  may  be  decided,  to  leave  here  be- 
tween the  ist  March  and  ist  April  next,  and  from  whence  as 
soon  as  may  be  send  home  an  account  of  the  valuable  articles 
which  they  have  collected,  and  a  schedule  of  such  articles  as  are 
wf.nted  for  that  trade,  and  for  the  substantial  correctness  of  the  ac- 
count of  such  collections  of  articles  the  agent  of  such  Co.  will  be 
bound  in  the  sum  of  2000$  to  be  used  as  an  indemnity  for  loss 
occasioned  by  intentionally  false  information  on  the  subject. 
That  you  are  not  bound  to  disburse  any  sum  or  moneys  for  any 
purpose  until  information  has  been  received  of  the  collection  of 
such  quantity  of  articles  as  will  according  to  ordinary-  judgement 


7a] 


WYRTH'S    ORR(>ON     RXPRDITIONS. 


15 


( 


and  under  usual  circumstances  pay  the  cost  and  charges  of  a  voy- 
age out  and  home. 

That  after  such  information  has  been  received  you  are  as  soon 
as  can  be  to  fit  out  a  vessell  or  vessells  such  as  are  required,  one 
certainly  and  more  if  j'ou  deem  proper,  and  put  on  board  the 
same  at  your  cost  such  an  invoice  of  articles  as  may  be  required  by 
the  agent  of  said  Co.  That  interest  at  the  rate  of  ten  per  cent  on 
the  cost  of  the  vessell  including  insurance  and  repairs,  and  the 
actual  disbursements  of  the  voyage  for  men,  provisions  &c,  cost 
of  articles  sent  out  and  8  per  cent  int.  including  insurance,  shall 
be  considered  the  cost  of  the  voyage  and  that  you  are  to  agree  to 
furnish  as  al  ove  and  for  your  profit  in  the  buisness  are  to  have 
—  per  cent  and  that  this  agreement  is  to  last  as  long  as  the  party 
continue  together  under  their  first  contract  viz  5  years,  or  until 
they  dissolve  the  contract  by  unanimous  vote  of  said  party,  which 
shall  in  no  case  be  done  with  a  view  to  evade  this  agreement,  but 
will  remain  in  force  against  me  personally  so  long  as  I  shall  con- 
tinue in  any  way  engaged  in  that  trade,  until  the  expiration  of 
the  said  5  years. 

If  you  or  your  friends  wish  to  make  any  enquiries  concerning 
me  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  and  them  to  Mr  David  Devan  of  this 
place  who  knows  more  of  my  buisness  character  than  any  other 
person. 

I  am  &c.     N.  J.  W. 

XV. 

Cambridge    Jany  3d     1H32 
Brother  Charles  (Baltimore) 

Your  favour  of  the  17th  ulto.  is  at 
hand.  I  write  in  haste  to  request  you  to  place  the  note  of  888 
25-100  aganist  Morton  Brown  &  Co  in  the  hands  of  Judah  Touro 
Esq.  of  New  Orleans  and  at  my  disposal.  If  the  note  is  good 
some  goods  can  be  purchased  there  as  wel'  as  elsewhere  for  our 
buisness  please  advise  him  to  look  to  me  for  instructions  on  the 
subject.  Please  make  what  exertion  you  can  to  procure  the  to- 
bacco man,  more  than  one  if  convenient  anr'  they  are  suitable 
men.  I  shall  leave  here  about  the  ist  March  for  your  place  by 
vessell  and  shall  see  you  there  and  thank  you  personally  for  your 
kindness  in  thus  assisting  me  in  my  nroject.s.  I  shall  endeavour 
that  you  do  not  suffer  by  it.  Jacob  seme  time  since  gave  me  aii 
order  for  600$  on  Leonard  this  order  being  impropcrh-  drawn  on 
h  I  have  written  Jacob  to  exchange  tor  one  on  you  This  I  had 
done  with  a  view  to  preventing  him  from  spending  it  on  his  outfits 
for  which  purpose  now  nothing  is  necessary.  This  sum  I  shall 
not  draw  from  you  in  any  case  further  than  the  small  aint.  recpii- 
site  for  J  outfits,  but  wish  to  know  if  in  case  of  unexpected  need 
of  money  at  St.  Louis  for  itulispensible  articles  and  the  want  of 
which  I  cannot   provide   against  or   obtain  in  any  other  way  if  I 


iiiirill 


i!i. 


i6 


CORRKSPONDKNCK: 


[73 


can  draw  it  from  you  any  need  of  so  doing  I  shall  avoid  if  there 
is  any  power  in  me  to  do  so  but  it  is  possible  that  I  may  so  far 
miscalculate  as  to  be  under  the  necessity  of  a  little  more  money 
than  I  may  happen  to  have  left  at  that  place.  Please  answer  this 
question  in  your  next.  With  this  last  assurance  and  with  the  note 
and  what  L.  will  do  and  my  own  cash  I  shall  make  out  to  do. 
As  it  regards  vessells  and  goods  to  be  sent  me  I  apprehend  I  have 
made  an  arrangement  that  will  provide  for  all  this  of  this  I  am 
not  certain  but  the  negotiation  has  proceeded  so  far  that  I  think 
it  will  be  closed  and  on  quite  as  good  terms  as  I  could  expect.  The 
other  particulars  of  your  letter  I  have  not  time  to  answer  but  will 
talk  over  matters  when  I  see  you  on  my  journey  out.  Jacob  is 
not  yet  married  and  in  his  recent  letters  to  me  he  has  not  men- 
tioned the  subject  and  I  hope  he  will  go  without  for  the  reasons 
you  name.  I  hope  your  children  are  now  recovered.  Give  your 
^"ife  my  respects  and  remind  little  Charles  and  Nathaniel  of  their 
'.xle  Nathaniel 

Affcty  Yr  Bro     Nath.  J.  Wyelh 

XVI. 

Cambridge    Jany  3d     1832 
Solomon  K.  Livermore  Esq 

(Milford  New  Hampshire) 
Dear  Sir  I  have  an  unexpected  visit  from  your  son  w"  10  has 
left  his  school  of  which  I  suppose  he  has  apprised  5'ou.  He  seems 
to  me  to  have  arrived  to  that  time  of  life  at  which  a  young  man 
should  have  chosen  some  buisness  to  meet  the  wants  of  existence, 
and  done  something  to  fit  himself  for  it.  In  this  line  he  appears 
to  have  done  nothing  effectual,  and  he  to  me  seems  mortified  at 
the  fact.  The  pride  which  produces  this  feeling  is  laudable  and 
denotes  at  bottom  a  well  toned  mind,  and  it  will  certainly  even- 
tuate in  something  either  for  his  weal  or  for  woe.  To  humour 
and  direct  rather  than  repress  this  feeling  it  appears  to  uv:  i^' 
the  best  policy.  He  talks  of  the  sea  and  other  things,  but  has  >o 
settled  determination  except  to  do  something.  This  determine 
tion  ought  to  be  indulged.  He  wishes  to  join  our  expedition  to 
the  Country  west  of  the  Rocky  Moutitains  and  I  think  that  it 
would  be  well  for  him  to  do  so,  his  share  of  the  profits  will  be 
large:  yi  of  an  equal  division.  He  can  there  spend  nothing,  all 
that  his  division  comes  to  will  be  in  his  hands  when  he  comes 
home,  and  judging  from  the  course  of  that  trade  heretofore  it 
would  Ije  no  small  sum.  The  countr>'  is  entirely  healthy,  the 
Indians  mild  in  their  natures,  and  entirely  peacible.  Ves- 
sells are  to  be  in  our  employ  to  run  between  this  place  and  that, 
to  insure  the  requirements  of  trade,  of  life  and  means  of  return- 
ing if  requisite.  The  contract  will  give  me  8  parts  for  taking 
charge  of  the  buisness  and  furnishing  capital,  the  surgeon  will 
have  two  parts  the   residue  of  50  persons  will  have  40  parts  to  4i- 


74] 


WYETirS  OREGON  EXPEDITlONvS. 


17 


vide  among  them  contract  to  last  5  years.  I  think  his  turn  of 
mind  quite  suitable  to  this  buisness  and  I  should  be  glad  to  have 
him  to  go  with  me,  and  will  endeavour  to  do  well  by  him.  I  shall 
give  him  no  encouragement  to  go  on  this  or  anj-  other  scheme 
without  your  consent,  but  think  you  would  do  well  to  give 
it.     He  will  return  home  in  a  few  days. 

Excuse  th^"  liberty  I  have  taken  in  thus  intruding  my  ideas  up- 
on  you   but   the   similarity  of  his  scituation  to  my  own  at  about 
his  time  of  life  induces   me  to  speak    freely  in  regard  to  him  and 
to  say  what  he   cannot  as  well  say  for  himself. 

Be  pleased  to  give  my  respects  and  love  to  all  your  family  and 
be  assured  I  remain     Yr       Af.     Nephew 

N.  J.  W. 

P.  S.  His  equipment  and  expences  as  far  as  St.  Louis  are 
paid  by  himself  in  all  50$  this  if  you  determine  to  let  him  go  you 
can  give  him  or  I  will  furnish  him  with  it  and  take  it  from  his 
share  of  the  profits.     We  are  to  leave  about  the  ist  March. 

XVII. 

Cambridge     Jany  6th     1S32 
Hon.  Iv  Everett  (Washington) 

Dear  vSir  Your  favour  of  24  ulto.  has  been  received.  From  what 
1  can  learn  Genl.  Cass  is  of  the  right  stamp  of  character  to  make  ap- 
plication to  in  this  matter,  but  I  cannot  spare  time  for  a  personal 
interview,  being  very  much  engaged  in  preparation  for  moving 
which  I  intend  to  do  by  the  ist  March.  If  the  matter  could  be 
opened  to  Genl.  Cass  and  his  views  in  some  measure  ascertained 
to  be  favorable  I  would  come  to  your  city  and  finish  the  buisness 
during  the  time  that  it  would  require  for  my  men  to  march  from 
Balto.  to  Pitsburg.  I  cannot  think  of  delaying  mj-  movements 
for  an  object  for  which  I  ask  no  other  compensation  than  the 
honor  of  conveying  to  the  Govt,  information  which  will  soon  be 
of  great  value  to  them.  I  will  request  you  if  consistent  with 
your  view  of  the  case  to  broach  the  matter  to  either  of  the  De- 
partments as  you  deem  most  suitable  and  then  to  advise  me 
whether  it  is  worth  my  while  to  come  to  your  city  in  my  way 
out  to 'Pitsburg. 

I  believe  that  it  is  not  lawful  for  armed  bodies  of  men  to  pass 
through  theCountr>'.  I  would  beg  leave  to  enquire  of  3'ou  whether 
any  perm  ission  is  required  to  be  had  for  so  doing  and  if  so  to  ob- 
tain the  same  for  me,  and  also  what  sort  of  licence  or  permission 
if  any  is  requisite  for  trading  with  the  Indians  beyond  the  R(x:ky 
Mountains. 

I  herewith  enclose  a  petition  which  was  handed  me  by  Mr. 
Kelley  and  signed  by  some  of  those  who  propose  to  go  with  me 
in  this  enterprise.  \Ve  have  no  connection  with  Mr.  Kelleys 
enterprise  further  than  accident  and  circumstances  ma>'  indicate, 
and  only  wish  that  sometliing  should  be  done  as  an  inducement  for 


1 8 


CORRESrONDKNCr;: 


[75 


Americans  i^encra/ly  to  go  out  to  that  Country  in  order  to  form 
a  preponderating  interest  there  to  counteract  that  of  the  British 
already  established.  Oovt.  would  poorly  serve  our  interests  in 
granting  to  the  Oregon  Society  any  exclusive  priviledges 
there.  Nothitig  on  our  part  is  desirable  excepting  aid  to  get 
men  out  there  and  the  enacting  of  some  laws  for  their  regulation 
when  there  and  then  leave  us  to  ourselves.  I  should  be  sorry  if 
these  petitions  should  have  any  other  effect  than  to  call  the  atten- 
tion of  Congress  to  the  subject  in  such  manner  as  to  induce  them  to 
act  as  their  wisdom  may  dictate,  in  aiding  good  men  to  form  a  set- 
tlement in  that  region  and  to  assume  the  government  of  the  Col- 
ony when  there,  and  not  as  the  petition  may  possibly  be  con- 
strued to  mean  to  throw  the  trade  or  government  of  the  Country 
into  the  hands  of  this  or  any  other  society,  neither  is  it  our  inten- 
tion to  follow  our  trade  in  connection  or  under  the  patronage  of 
that  Society.  I  wish  you  to  understand  that  it  is  at  your  option 
to  present  this  petition  or  not.  If  you  conceive  that  it  will  for- 
ward our  interests  as  above  explained,  present  it,  if  it  is  to  serve  the 
purpose  of  throwing  the  controul  and  trade  of  that  Country  into 
the  hands  of  a  society,  whose  buisness  should  be  to  aid  men  in 
getting  there,  and  then  leave  them  to  form  their  own  mode  of 
society,  withhold  it. 

I  have  to  thank  you   for   your   kindness  in  regard  to  the  treat- 
ies, and  ask  you  to  excuse  the  liberties  I  take  in  thus  troubling  you. 

I  am  &c  &c     N.  J,  W. 

XVIII. 


Cambridge,  Jany     ii      1832 
Brother  L,eonard 

(N.  York) 

Not  having  heard  from  3'ou  since  you 
were  here  I  have  been  fearfuU  you  had  writen  and  the  letter 
miscarried.  If  this  is  the  case  please  send  me  a  duplicate  as  I  am  in 
want  of  the  names  of  the  persons  whose  address  you  proposed  to 
get  for  me  at  St.  Louis.  This  is  a  matter  that  demands  immedi- 
ate attention.  Since  you  were  here  I  have  had  letters  from 
Charles.  What  he  can  do  with  what  you  proposed  will  answer 
my  purpose.  Please,  let  me  kno^^'  definitely  and  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible what  and  when  you  can  do.  Upon  further  investigation  I 
find  that  there  will  be  no  dificulty  as  regards  vessells,  as  they 
always  leave  that  coast  but  partly  filled,  consequently  remittan- 
ces to  meet  the  exigences  of  the  buisness  may  be  made  in  them 
at  reasonable  rates,  beside  which  I  have  nearly  closed  with  one, 
already  in  the  trade,  who  will  send  out  vessell  and  goods  as  soon 
as  I  leave  here  and  to  arrive  there  about  the  time  that  I  may 
be  expected. 

&c     N.  J.  W. 


I  I 


76] 


WYIvTirvS    ORROOX     IvXPKDITIOXS. 


XIX. 


19 


Cambridge     Jany  i6th     1832 
Brother  Leonard  (X  York) 

Yours  of  the  loth  inst.  is  at  hand. 
The  sums  which  you  mention  may  be  available  to  me  in  some 
shape  and  if  so  they  will  be  used  of  which  due  notice  will  be  giv- 
en you.  The  draft  of  the  furnace  altho  common  I  should  like  to 
have  if  conveuieut  as  it  will  ba  as  good  in  any  other  and  I  have 
no  small  one.  It  can  be  sent  to  me  in  care  of  Chas.  in  Baltimore. 
You  have  done  well  to  say  nothitig  to  Mr.  Osgood  as  he  could  not 
do  enough  to  help  me,  and  one  great  credit  is  easier  gotten  than 
twenty  small  ones. 

Give  my  thanks  to  Mr.  Osgood  for  his  kindness  in  regard  to 
the  letter  but  inform  him  that  it  will  not  be  used  unless  the  pres- 
ent negotiation  fails  and  I  do  not  wish  to  broach  the  matter  to 
any  but  those  who  are  to  be  eventualy  concerned  if  possible  to 
avoid  it. 

The  object  which  I  propose  to  accomplish  through  an  acquaint- 
ance at  St.  lyouis  is  to  have  my  drafts  cashed  on  Judah  Touro  a 
person  well  known  in  that  section  of  country  and  residing  at 
N.  Orleans  in  whose  hands  I  shall  place  funds  and  obtain  a  letter 
of  credit  for  the  amount  from  him  to  them.  I  have  money  at  N. 
Orleans  of  my  own  and  some  which  Chas.  has  lent  me,  which  I 
may  or  may  not  use  as  circumstances  may  indicate.  The  drafts 
may  be  at  sight  and  the  money  is  wanted  to  purchase  goods  for 
the  Indian  trade.  Letters  of  introduction  to  as  many  different 
people  as  possible  are  desirable  in  order  to  get  information  con- 
cerning Indian  trade  and  other  matters  connected  with  the  pur- 
suit of  it.  I  am  happy  to  hear  that  3^our  loss  is  all  insured  I  pre- 
sume you  mean  with  the  exception  of  what  you  might  have  made 
from  them  and  the  loss  you  sustained  by  not  having  them,  which 
is  or  is  not  a  loss  as  the  case  may  be. 

This  day  received  a  request  by  letter  from  Mr.  C.  your,  partner 
to  join  the  expedition.  I  presume  he  means  if  indeed  he 
means  anything  as  a  partner.  As  this  cannot  be,  I  shall 
after  considering  the  matter  with  due  attention  answer  in  the 
disuasive.  He  must  be  very  ignorant  of  his  capabilities.  As  no 
one  knows  the  extent  of  his  ignorance  of  himself  all  we  have  to 
do  is  to  pray  that  we  are  not  in  the  same  darkness  of  which  we 
accuse  others.  Be  so  good  if  the  fact  was  not  known  to  you  be- 
fore as  to  keep  it  to  yourself  to  save  appearances  both  for  him  and 
me  as  I  do  not  wnsh  to  be  an  informer  on  the  actions  of  any  one 
however  much  I  may  think  that  he  needs  a  guardian. 

Y    &c     N.  J.  W 


20 


r; 


CORR  KSPON  DKXC  I': 
XX. 


[77 


Camhriclge 


Janv  1 8th     1832 
Mr  The.  Buche 

IN  York)     Dear  vSir 

Your  favour  of  14th  inst  is  at 
hand  I  think  you  have  done  well  to  remain  where  you  are 
\intil  you  set  out  to  meet  us  at  Balto.  I  have  no  idea  of  whom  the 
person  could  have  been  who  called  on  Mr.  S.  Swartnoute.  It 
could  hardly  have  been  any  one  who  had  a  knowledge  of  our  en- 
terprise but  must  have  been  some  one  desirous  of  joining  the  em- 
igration to  the  same  country  under  the  auspices  of  the  Society- 
formed  in  Boston  for  that  purpose  and  with  whom  I  do  not  pro- 
pose any  connection.  As  you  wish  to  shew  this  letter  I  shall 
omit  answering  in  it  some  parts  of  yours.  The  subjects  to  which 
I  allude  are  satisfactorily  to  me  at  least  settled.  According  to 
request. I  shall  detail  the  plan  of  the  expedition  and  also  the  pro- 
portion of  profits  w^hich  will  accrue  to  each  person  engaged  in  the 
enterprise.  We  are  to  cross  the  Continent  to  the  shores  of  the 
Pacific  between  42  and  49  degrees  N.  Latt.  and  engage  in  the  Fur 
buisness.  Vessells  will  ply  from  Boston  or  N.  York  to  supply  us 
with  articles  of  trade  and  bring  home  or  carr\'  elsewhere  what 
articles  are  collected,  and  .»y  means  of  posts  established  there  save 
the  great  delay  of  vessells  on  that  coast  which  in  the  present 
mode  of  conducting  the  buisness  amounts  frequently  to  30  months 
and  will  average  two  years.  This  item  alone  would  with  the 
ordinary  profit  of  the  trade  give  all  the  success  which  we  look 
for  beside  the  great  advantage  which  residents  there  have  over 
those  who  can  be  there  but  about  once  in  4  years  for  the  collection 
of  furs  and  other  articles  of  vakte.  As  to  our  route  across  the  con- 
tinent I  can  only  say  that  we  shall  be  governed  by  circumstances 
On  the  spot  my  general  idea  is  that  our  course  will  [be]  from  this 
place  to  Baltimore  by  vessell  thence  by  land  to  Pitsburg  thence 
down  to  the  confluence  of  the  Mississippi  and  Missouri  rivers  and 
up  the  latter  river  to  Franklin  from  that  place  strike  for  the  Platte 
River  and  follow  the  same  to  its  source  in  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
near  which  is  the  southern  pass  by  which  we  shall  make  the  tran- 
sit of  the  mounts  which  done  we  strike  for  Lewis  River  or  the 
Multnomah  which  we  follow  to  their  junction  with  the  Colum- 
bia which  we  follow  to  the  sea  and  locate  our  posts  on  this  river 
or  near  De  Fucas  Streights  as  may  then  be  deemed  proper.  Our 
compact  is  to  last  5  years.  The  profits  are  to  l)e  divided  in 
such  •manner  that  if  the  number  concerned  was  50  and  the 
whole  nett  profits  were  divided  into  that  number  of  parts,  I 
should  get  8  the  surgeon  2  and  the  remaining  40  parts  would  be 
divided  among  the  remaining  48  persons.  The  8  parts  which  I 
take  is  consideration  for  m^'  services  as  head  of  the  concern  and 
furnishing   the   requisite   capital  and  credit  for  the  buisness  and 


■MM 


781 


WYRTH'vS     ORKOON     KXPKDITIONS. 


21 


^vhich  is  to  be  invested  in  goods  to  a  small  amount  to  take  with 
us  by  land,  camp  equipage,  wagons,  horses,  &c,  and  in  vessells 
and  goods  to  be  sent  out  to  us  so  as  to  arrive  there  within  a  few 
months  after  us.  Each  man  will  be  required  to  furnish  his  own 
equipments  and  pay  his  passage  as  far  as  Franklin  in  Missouri 
which  will  amount  to  40$  and  the  surplus  to  be  paid  for  him  from 
the  capital  if  it  amts.  to  more.  In  case  any  very  good  men  apply 
to  you  you  can  engage  them  on  these  terms  especially  Coopers, 
Blacksmiths,  Founders,  and  ingenious  persons  of  any  trade  but 
having  nothing  to  do  with  any  persons  who  are  not  industrious 
and  temperate  men  ard  of  good  constitutions  and  peacible  dis- 
positions, and  in  case  you  engage  any  their  equipments  will  be 
brough[t]  on  with  me  to  Balto,  where  they  can  meet  us  at  the 
same  time  as  yourself  by  equipments  I  mean  arms  and  clothing 
They  may  therefore  come  as  scantily  provided  for  clothes  as  pos- 
sible with  the  exception  of  a  great  coat  which  should  be  ample  in 
order  to  sleep  in  it.  We  may  be  expected  to  arrive  in  Balto.  by 
the  loth  March  but  when  I  leave  Boston  I  will  advise  you  more 
particularly  In  the  mean  time  please  write  and  give  me  any  par- 
ticulars which  may  transpire. 

I  remain  &c     X.  J.   W. 

XXI. 

Cambridge     Jany  iSth     1S32 
Broth.  Jacob 

Your  favor  of  6th  inst.  is  at  hand  enc[l]osing  a 
draft  on  C.  Wyeth  for  $600.  Of  this  sum  so  much  will  be  spent 
as  is  requisite  for  surgical  instruments,  medicines,  your  own 
equipments  and  cloths  and  travelling  expences  as  far  as  St. 
Louis.  The  residue  will  be  left  in  Charles  hands  at  interest  and 
for  your  benefit  or  if  used  by  me  int.  at  6  per  ct  will  be  paid 
3'ou.  Your  2  shares  are  for  your  professional  services  and  also 
for  all  other  services  which  you  may  render  the  Co.  in  any  shape 
for  you  will  be  required  to  do  all  and  everything  for  the  common 
benefit.  If  you  persist  in  returning  befor[e]  the  5  years  expire 
there  will  be  ample  opportunity  by  means  of  our  vessells  but  j'ou 
will  loose  your  share  of  profits  during  the  time  that  you  are  ab- 
sent from  dutv 

Ys.  &c     N.  J.  W. 

XXII. 

Cambridge     Jany  23d     1832 
Capt  Dixie  Wildes 

(Boston) 
Dear  Sir  Having  examined  your  proposition  I  have  satisfied 
myself  that  to  enter  into  an  arrangement  on  these  terms  would  be 
to  ruin  myself  and  injure  every  one  concerned  in  the  undertaking 
and  to  deprive  you  of  that  eventual  profit  to  which  3'ou  should 
look  as  the  reward  for  engaging  in  the  undertaking  and  incurring 


33 


COR  R  KSPON  DKXC  K: 


P7* 


its  ris(iues.  In  regard  to  risks  I  have  to  say  that  all  you  in- 
cur is  merely  the  risk  that  the  goods  which  you  send  out  to  me 
to  be  used  on  a  particular  part  of  the  coast  may  be  unsuitable 
for  the  general  trade  of  the  Coast.  So  far  as  this  is  likely  to 
happen  you  run  some  risk,  but  this  is  the  only  risk  you  incur 
as  all  the  other  risques  are  insured  against  at  our  cost.  Even  if 
we  should  never  arrive  oti  that  coast  your  vessell  would  have  the 
same  chance  of  making  a  good  voyage  that  she  would  have  if  ex» 
pressly  fitted  out  for  a  N.  W.  Coast  voyage  with  the  exception  of 
the  risk  above  stated  which  as  you  have  *he  selection  of  the 
cargo  need  not  be  great. 

With  regard  to  the  items  of  proposition  I  have  to  say  that  it  is 
not  my  wish  to  assume  specific  suras  as  the  cost  of  the  voyage 
and  then  cast  you[r]  per  centage  on  *.hem.  For  instance  you  as- 
sume that  the  vessell  will  cost  3ooo$.  Now  altho.  this  is 
about  what  a  vessell  of  i6o  T^ons  might  cost  yet  it  is  probably' 
not  the  exact  sum.  Insurance  at  4  per  cent  may  or  may  not  be 
the  exact  sum  paid  and  18  months  will  not  be  the  exact  length 
of  the  voyage  and  thus  of  all  the  other  items.  My  intention  was 
to  propose  to  you  to  find  vessell  and  cargo  and  to  agree  upon  a 
certain  per  cent  upon  their  actual  cost  as  your  profits  in  the  buis- 
ness.  And  as  far  as  goods  and  cost  of  sailing  -re  concerned  in- 
cluding insurance  and  interest  at  the  legal  rate  there  would  be  no 
dificulty  but  for  the  vessell  some  other  arrangement  must  be  made. 
I  would  propose  that  a  certain  per  cent  on  her  rtf /?/.?/ cost  be  agreed 
upon  and  the  amt.  of  this  per  ct.  be  considered  as  the  cost  of 
her  use  or  charter  and  on  this  sum  your  per  centage  of  profit 
cast,  and  making  the  per  ct.  on  her  cost  sufficiently  great  to 
cover  insurance  wear  &c.  In  short  my  object  is  to  arrive  at  the 
actual  cost  of  everything  and  pay  a  certain  per  cent  of  profit  on 
it  to  those  who  will  furnish  me  with  the  accommodations  which  I 
am  in  need  of  to  carry  on  this  buisness.  There  is  a  natural  impos- 
sibility in  my  Cvjmplying  with  the  terms  of  your  proposition,  you 
ask  at  least  12000$  profit  for  the  first  voyage  which  is  in  itself  as 
much  nett  profit  as  the  best  voyages  have  given  when  no  larger 
an  amount  of  capital  was  used.  In  your  recent  voyage  2  vessells 
and  1 2000$  worth  of  available  goods  and  2^/2  years  time  was 
consumed  and  about  18000$  made  whether  including  int.  and 
insurance  or  not  I  do  not  know  but  supposing  that  that  amt. 
was  including  these  items  there  would  have  been  not  a  dollar  re- 
maining after  paying  you  50  per  cent  on  18  mos.  The  ex- 
pences  of  the  voyage  were  about  1 8000$  as  I  understood  you  and 
would  have  been  20000$  had  you  not  bought  your  vessells  when 
they  were  low  and  sold  them  when  they  were  high  if  you  had 
had  50  per  cent  on  the  disbursements  of  that  voyage  for  18  mos 
and  in  proportion  for  the  extra  time  it  would  have  amounted  to 
16000$  and  more. 


mm 


So^  WYETH'vS  ORRnON  KXPRDITIONS.  83 

You  have  estimated  that  the  product  of  our  first  voyage  would 
be  40000$,  This  would  be  more  than  I  think  would  be  be  real- 
ized but  allowing  that  this  sum  should  be  realized  from  the 
4000$  worth  of  goods  which  I  shall  take  with  me.  The  arming 
andequiping  of  28  men  and  their  time  and  the  disbursements  con- 
tained in  your  proposition  and  your  50  per  ct.  Let  us  cast  all 
these  up  and  see  what  each  one  would  get.  In  doing  this  we 
will  take  first  those   items   which  must  be  paid  in  any  event   viz. 

The  estimates  of  your  proposition  and  50  per  ct 29885$ 

Disbursements  by  myself 4000 

Int.  on  same  18  months 360 

Arms  and  traveling  expenses  out  for  28  men  a  75$ 2100 

Wages   for  men  a  5$  pei    month 2520 

Which  deduct  from  40000$  $38865 

There  remains  profit  to  us 11 35 

To  be  divided  among  28  persons  which  would  leave  me  who 
have  16  pr  ct  of  the  nett  p'ofits  about  200$  for  18  months. 

In  your  first  proposition  your  estimates  of  the  disbursements  of 
the  voyage  were  about  the  same,  and  of  the  product  about  the 
same  and  according  to  that  the  profit  would  have  been  20000$  on 
which  you  asked  25  per  cent  as  your  profit  this  would  be  5000$. 
In  this  you  ask  almost  10000$. 

It  is  undoubtedly  the  interest  of  both  parties  to  give  the  other 
a  good  chance.  If  you  have  all  ^the  profits,  I  should  very 
soon  be  unwilling  or  unable  to  carry  on  the  buisness.  If  I  should 
get  more  than  my  due  proportion  you  would  not  continue  the 
buisness  and  whether  the  one  or  the  other  happened  both  parties 
would  be  the  loosers  by  it  in  as  much  as  the  buisness  must  be 
discontinued  whereas  if  the  profit  should  be  more  equally  divided 
the  buisness  would  be  carried  on  for  a  long  time  to  a  mutual  ad- 
vantage. I  think  that  you  would  do  well  to  consider  that  in 
case  the  buisness  is  good  to  all  concerned  it  may  be  extended  to 
aimost  any  amount  and  your  profits  5  years  hence  may  possi- 
bly be  cast  on  20oooo$[?]  yearly.  To  the  great  increase  of  the 
buisness  I  think  that  you  may  fairly  look  for  your  increased  prof- 
its. I  do  not  think  that  in  employing  only  one  vessell  you  could 
make  as  much  as  in  the  ordinary  course  of  the  trade  but  in  the 
common  method  it  is  dificult  to  extend  with  advantage  in  this 
way  an  unlimited  extension  of  the  buisness  may  be  safely 
attempted. 

I  am  in  hopes  that  you  will  alter  your  proposition  as  it  is  abso- 
lutely impossible  for  me  to  accept  this.  It  would  be  far  better 
for  me  to  go  out  without  any  arrangement.  I  could  in  that  case 
in  one  year  gain  the  required  experience,  and  product  of  the 
goods  which  I  carried  out  would  if  shipped  home  as  well  might  be 
done  in  almost  any  of  the  vessells  which  go  there,  for  they  return 


iItt' 


24 


CORRlCvSPON'nKNCr:: 


[81 


but  partly  filled,  produce  the  requisite  capital.  At  the  cud  of  the 
first  voyage  1  should  have  collected  here  all  the  capital  which  I 
should  want  aud  should  have  gaiued  all  the  requisite  experience 
for  directing  it.  Vou  cannot  but  see  how  much  better  this  would 
be  for  us  than  to  make  an  arrangement  on  your  terms  which  would 
bind  us  during  the  whole  5  years  to  pay  for  the  capital  and  ex- 
perience which  we  only  want  for  the.  first  voyage  almost  the 
whole  of  all  the  profits  we  could  make  even  in  case  of  the  great- 
est success. 

I  am  however  very  desirom  of  coming  to  an  agreement  with 
some  one  previous  to  going  out  and  think  that  I  shall  be  able  to 
do  it  on  terms  which  will  offer  a  fair  chance  to  all  concerned.  I 
am  particularly  desirous  of  making  it  with  some  one  already  in 
the  trade.  I  beg  that  you  v;ill  reconsider  this  ground  carefully 
and  soon  for  the  time  grows  short  with  me  and  I  do  not  wish  to 
apply  to  any  other  persons  until  all  hope  of  an  arrangement  with 
>'ou  is  at  an  end. 

Wednesday  or  Thursday  next  I  will  call  and  see  vou. 

Respy  &c     N.  J.   \V. 

XXIII. 

Cambridge    Jany  23d     1S32 
Brother  Charles  (Baltimore) 

Your  favour  of  the  i6th  inst.  is  at  hand. 
I  note  what  you  say  of  the  note  of  Morton  and  Co.  nevertheless 
please  forward  it  as  at  first  proposed.  Most  of  my  goods  must  be 
purchased  at  St.  Louis,  which  is  the  great  mart  of  the  Indian 
trade  at  which  I  can  not  only  get  what  articles  are  wanted  but 
the  knowledge  requisite  for  selecting  them  and  there  I  shall 
make  all  my  purchases  with  the  exception  of  a  little  Iron  and 
Steel  which  will  be  got  at  N.  Orleans  and  the  residue  of  this  and 
other  money  I  shall  draw  for  from  St  Louis. 

If  you  cannot  get  a  tobacco  man  please  put  me  up  some  to- 
bacco seed  sufficient  for  a  considerable  crop  and  have  it  well  dried 
and  soldered  up  in  tin  cans.  Would  it  not  be  well  to  advertise  in 
some  country  papers  for  a  man  stating  generally  that  he  is  wanted 
for  a  foreign  voyage.     In  this  matter  do  as  you  think  best. 

As  it  regards  Jacobs  affair  it  is  only  requisite  that  I  bring  on 
with  me  an  order  from  father  to  pay  the  ballance  of  account  to 
me,  and  I  will  then  take  what  I  have  expended  for  Jacob  sa^' 
100$,  and  leave  the  residue  in  your  hands  subject  to  m}'^  draft  in 
case  of  accident  as  proposed  in  my  last  or  to  remain  as  the  case 
may  be.    The  draft  as  you  say  can  be  examined  when  I  am  there . 

I  am  well  aware  of  what  you  say  in  respect  to  the  number  of 
men  I  think  however  there  is  no  danger  of  being  troubled 
with  too  many.  All  the  other  matters  contained  in  your 
letter  either  will  or  have  been  attended  to.  Please  in  your  next 
write  me  the  names  of  some  of  the  best  mercantile  house[s]  at  St. 


mm 


Sa] 


WYETirS    ORlvOON     KXl'I'DITIONvS. 


25 


Tyouis  and  i^  possible   procure   me   letters  to   them   these   letters 
keep  but  the  names  send  tne  as  soon  as  possible. 

The  reveries  at  the  end  of  your   letter   are   proof  that   )'ou 
let  that  liar   and   thief  "hope"  cheat  your  better  senses  with  idle 
dreams,  the  sober  truth  of  life  is  that  man  was  made  to  mourn  tt) 
fight  and  die  at  last  disapointed  and  broken  hearted 
Vr.  Atr.   Bro.     X.  J.  Wyeth 


XXIV. 

Carabridcje 
N.  H.) 


Jany  23d     1S32 
vS.  K.  Livermore  lisq.  (Milford 
Dear  Sir 

Your  letter  of  the  20th  itist  is  before  me.  I  beg  you 
to  believe  that  I  have  used  no  means  to  induce  Thomas  to  engage 
in  this  undertaking  with  the  exception  of  the  letter  which  I 
wrote  you  on  the  subject  and  which  I  read  to  him.  He  heard  of 
the  expedition  elsewhere  and  came  to  me  for  information.  I 
should  conceive  it  very  dishonorable  in  me  to  interfere  in  his 
plans  of  life  otherwise  than  through  his  natural  guardians.  I 
have  in  this  instance  rather  held  forth  to  his  view  the  dificulties 
of  the  enterprise  than  its  inducements.  I  shall  not  even  now 
write  him  on  the  subject  being  content  to  leave  the  matter  to  you 
and  him.  If  he  goes  he  should  be  here  by  the  20th  Feb.  He 
wants  nothing  to  bring  with  him  but  one  good  suit  of  cloths 
which  are  decent  to  appear  in  in  the  cities  through  which  we 
pass.  The  company  dress  will  be  made  her[e]  as  also  his  arms  and 
equipments.  No  chest  is  necessary  as  our  baggage  wagon  will 
answer  that  purpose  as  far  as  to  P'ranklin,  where  we  take  horses 
and  then  bags  must  be  used.  As  few  articles  of  baggage  will  be 
carried  with  us  as  possible  their  transportation  costs  more  than 
their  value  and  they  can  be  purchased  any  time  before  leaving 
the  settlements  at  one  of  the  last  of  which  St.  Louis  our  final 
arrangements  will  be  made.  The  bugle  of  which  I  spoke  to  him 
should  be  of  the  plainest  kind  and  the  most  simple  to  use  and  the 
least  liable  to  get  out  of  repair  or  broken.  It  will  be  used  chiefly 
as  a  signal  for  parties  at  a  distance,  and  sometimes  in  marching  a 
little  music  will  enliven  us.  We  propose  that  one  should  learn  it 
well  and  then  teach  all  the  rest.  We  shall  have  as  much  as  ten 
and  to  be  used  alternately  so  as  not  to  be  tedious  to  any  one.  I 
am  ut[t]erly  ignorant  of  all  kinds  and  uses  of  music  but  have 
thought  that  we  could  march  by  a  number  of  bugles  but  if  we 
cannot  they  will  at  least  do  for  signals  which  is  in  fact  their  only 
es[s]ential  use.  If  Thomas  will  make  himself  master  of  the  bugle 
and  determines  to  go  please  write  immediately  on  the  receipt  of 
this,  as  in  case  that  he  does  not  I  must  engage  some  other  person 
to  do  it.  In  addition  to  what  I  stated  to  you  in  my  last  I  will 
only  observe  that  in  case  the  undertaking  should  prove  unsuc- 
cesfuU   it   would   be   abandoned   In-   mutual   consent    in  a  much 


96 


CORRIvSI'ONDHNCK: 


C«s 


shorter  period  than  5  years  luul  in  this  case  Thomas  would 
come  home  liaviuj?  a  good  knowledge  of  the  hardships  of  life  and 
consequently  more  willing  to  put  up  with  its  unavoidable  priva- 
tions and  disappointments  than  he  now  is,  and  I  question  wheth- 
er it  would  not  be  as  profitable  knowledge  as  he  could  acipiire, 
for  as  you  say,  "there  is  plenty  of  buisneas  here  for  which  he  is 
suitable"  if  he  can  only  bring  down  his  mind  to  its  dull  routine. 
But  I  should  be  sorry  to  have  him  go  against  the  incHnations  of 
his  parents  not  to  say  their  positive  disapprobation  in  which  lat- 
[tjercase  he  certaiidy  should  not  go  with  me.  In  case  he  should 
go  I  will  comply  with  your  desire  in  regard  to  religion.  It  is  a 
subject  which  in  a  peculiar  sense  rests  with  each  one  and  his  ma- 
ker, and  if  I  have  sometimss  agitated  the  subject  with  you,  it  has 
been  more  to  test  and  correct  if  possible  my  own  views  of  the 
matter,  thati  any  hope  of  proselitism  for  which  I  am  not  desirous. 
I  l)eg  to  be  remembered  to  your  goo<l  lady  and  children  and 
wish  them  all  kinds  of  happiness. 

Yr  Aff.  Neph.     N.  J.  Wyeth 

XXV. 

Cambridge    Janv.   27th     1832 
Mr.  I.  P.  Hughs 

vSir  Your  letter  of    19th  ii         <  at  hand.     As 
to   dificulties  in  the   undertaking    each   man  ..it  judge     for 

himself  and  also  what  his  prospect  of  gain.  What  my  own  opinion  is 
on  the  subject  may  be  judged  of  by  my  giving  up  for  it  a  salary  of 
T  200  per  year  and  a  buisness  that  brought  me  as  much  more.  My 
own  opinion  of  this  thing  must  be  good  or  I  am  an  arrant  fool. 
To  say  more  on  this  head  would  be  useless.  Examine  for  your- 
self, look  about  in  Boston  and  see  how  many  independent  fortunes 
have  been  made  in  this  buisness.  As  to  giving  you  every  partic- 
ular of  this  buisness  it  is  quite  impossible.  Two  days  would  not 
suffice  to  wite  such  a  letter.  The  outlines  I  have  given  you.  As 
to  Capital  as  much  will  be  invested  as  I  deem  requisite  and  no 
more  and  what  is  invested  will  be  in  outfits  say  4000$,  these  we 
will  take  with  us  across  the  land,  then  a  vessell  to  leave  here  and 
arrive  there  near  the  time  that  we  do  Cost  of  sailing  there  and 
back  5000$,  goods  sent  out  by  her  $8000  these  amts.  are  the 
smallest  sums  that  will  be  invested.  And  I  shall  increase  them 
as  I  think  proper  in  the  course  of  buisness.  The  conditions  of 
my  furnishing  this  and  all  capital  which  I  deem  requisite  are  my 
receiving  16  per  cent  of  the  nett  profits.  The  surgeon  will  have  4 
per  cent  and  each  person  will  have  i  ^  per  cent  or  nearly  these 
different  shares  make  T02  per  cent  and  as  there  can  be  but 
100  the  2  per  ct  will  come  out  of  the  48  shares  which  amts.  to 
less  than  1-50  of  i  per  cent  deduction  from  each  mans  share.  The 
amt.  of  all  is  that  each  man  gets  as  near  as  possible  of  8-10  of  a 
full  and  equal  division  of  the  profits  and  the  other  2-10  go  to  pay 


H4l 


WYirni'vS  oRivc.ox  i:xri;i)iTi()Ns. 


37 


rae  for  my  services  as  head  of  the  Co.  jitul  to  furnish  Capital 
and  Surgeon.  I  am  to  he  sole  director  of  tlie  movements  of  the 
Co.  and  its  agent  in  all  transactions  of  huisness.  I  will  come  un- 
der no  bonds  to  the  Co.  Conceiving  that  the  iact  of  my  carrying 
out  with  us  4cxx)5  is  bond  enough  because  if  I  do  not  send  tlie 
rest  this  would  be  all  lost.  The  reason  of  the  case  will  shew  that 
if  a  bond  is  necessary  anywhere  it  is  from  the  men  to  me,  that 
they  shall  not  after  my  property  is  invested  in  this  thing  desert 
me  which  would  occasion  a  sacrifice  of  all  I  am  worth  but  I  ask 
no  other  than  that  of  expending  in  the  liuisness  40$  which  they 
will  loose  if  they  do  not  pursue  the  plan.  I  think  you  said  that 
T.  A.  Livermore  mentioned  this  thing  to  you.  His  father  writes 
me  that  he  may  go  and  the  young  man  is  determined  to  go  and  is 
learning  the  bugle.  I  hope  that  this  will  also  be  your  determina- 
tion. 

Vr    Obt   Servt     X.  J.  W. 

XXVI. 

Cambridge     Janv  2Sth     1S32 
Mr.  Geo.  Cripps  /  New  York) 

Dear  .Sir  Your  fav.  of  the  12th 
inst  was  received  in  dvie  course  of  mail.  The  receipt  should  have 
been  acknowledged  before  but  the  pressure  of  buisness  and  the 
want  of  a  little  time  to  think  the  matter  over  induced  rae  to  wait. 
I  should  be  extremely  happy  to  have  you  join  us  if  it  were  only 
for  the  benefit  of  your  society,  for  in  an  expedition  of  this  sort 
most  of  the  parsons  must  be  not  of  the  same  class  with  ourselves 
the  society  therefore  of  even  a  very  few  well  informed  persons  is  an 
object.  You  are  undoubtedly  as  fit  for  the  enterprise  as  most 
men  but  do  you  wish  to  place  yourself  upon  a  par  with  such  men 
as  tnust  form  the  bulk  of  our  band?  It  appears  to  me  that  it 
would  be  unwise  in  you  but  in  this  judge  for  yourself.  lean 
offer  you  no  better  terms  than  the  rest  have  viz  8-10  parts  of  a 
full  and  equal  division  of  profits.  We  leave  here  about  ist 
March  next  for  Baltimore.  I  refer  you  to  your  partner  for 
further  information  on  this  subject. 

And  Remain  &c     X.  J.  W. 

XXVII. 

Cambridge    Jany  28th     1832 
Brother  Leonard,  (.New  York) 

Your  favour  of  the  24th  inst.  is  at 
hand.  The  arrangements  which  you  have  made  as  to  letters  are 
well.  The  goods  you  name  are  used  in  indian  trade  but  whether 
on  that  part  of  the  coast  to  which  we  go  is  the  question.  All  in- 
dian marketts  are  not  the  same  any  more  than  other  marketts. 
Traps,  guns,  and  amunition  are  all  the  articles  which  I  should  at 
present  meddle  with.     I  wish  3'ou  would  ascertain  if  Beaver  traps 


28 


CORRESPONDKNCK: 


[85 


can  be  had  in  your  city.  Those  wanted  should  weigh  5  lbs. 
double  springs,  Jaws  without  teeth  and  chain  6  feet  long  with 
two  swivells  in  it.  Of  these  I  want  about  40  Doz.  If  you  can 
find  the  article  please  write  me  as  soon  as  possible.  Also  find 
if  yo  u  can  get  the  kind  of  gun  used  by  the  Amer.  Fur  Co.  and 
at  what  price.  There  is  also  a  certain  kind  of  beads  which 
is  a  kind  of  a  cur[r]ency  among  the  Indians  and  therefore  a  n 
article  in  demand  among  all  Indians.  Please  write  me  what  you 
could  do  in  all  these  articles.  I  can  then  tell  better  whether  I 
will  purchase  in  your  place.  My  cash  at  N.  Orleans  I  can  trans- 
fer to  this  place  at  any  moment  through  Mr.  F.  T.  who  is  paying 
freights  there  all  this  spring. 

I  have  not  yet  closed  with  any  person  for  vessells  a  nd 
goods  but  have  raked  up  securitj'^  enough  with  what  you 
named  to  charter  a  vessell  on  as  fair  terms  as  could  be 
done  for  cash.  Have  at  command  4000$  in  cash  and  have  remain- 
ing from  2  or  3  M  of  security  to  give  to  those  who  will  credit  m^. 
for  the  goods  which  I  want  to  send  out  bj-^  her.  Amt.  from  5  to 
8000$.  I  think  I  could  pay  on  account  of  goods  to  send  by  this 
vessell  1000$  down,  and  2000$  security  of  one  good  name  beside 
mine  and  to  be  paid  in  default  at  the  end  of  the  voyage  say  14 
mos.  Would  your  firm  for  a  certain  per  cent  profit  over  and  above 
their  cost  furnish  this  amt.  Your  partner  being  in  England  would 
furnish  great  facilities  in  procuring  the  goods.  If  I  can  get  this 
done  by  competent  persons  my  difficulties  would  be  much  dimin- 
ished, and  I  shall  save  giving  away  during  the  whole  5  years  25 
per  cent  of  profits  to  pay  for  assistance  which  I  only  want  during 
one  voyage.  I  shall  work  hard  before  I  will  give  up  so  much. 
Is  there  no  person  in  N.  York  who  would  do  this  if  j'-ou  cannot. 
I  have  some  hope  of  getting  it  done  here  but  have  no  certain  offer 
better  than  the  25  per  cent  as  above.  Write  me  as  often  as  you 
can 

Yr.  Afl'.  Bro.     N.  J.  W. 

XXVIII. 

Cambridge    Jany  27th     1832 
Bro.  Charles  (Baltimore) 

Since  my  last  of  23d  inst.  I  have  been  buisj' 
trying  to  make  arrangements  with  some  men  already  in  the 
N.  W.  trade  for  such  vessells  and  goods  as  I  shall  want  in 
the  course  of  this  buisness.  The  best  offer  is  25  per  ct  of 
profits  to  be  paid  them  on  my  whole  buisness  for  five  years.  Now 
if  successfuU  in  this  buisness  I  should  want  neither  information  or 
capital  at  the  end  of  the  first  voyage  and  even  in  furnishing  me 
the  first  voyage  they  run  no  risque  because  if  I  never  arrive  there 
they  have  only  to  continue  the  voyage  as  an  ordinary-  N.  W. 
Coast  voyage  with  just  as  good  chance  of  profit  as  if  expressly 
fitted  out  for  that   purpose.     Under  these  circumstances  I  cannot 


86] 


\VYK'rH'.S    ORKCiON     KXPKDITIONvS. 


29 


think  of  committing  myself  in  such  an  arrangement  if  there  is 
any  possible  way  of  avoiding  it.  Mr.  Tudor  agrees  to  assist  me 
in  a  certain  amt.  If  you  would  obligate  yourself  to  pay  looo!)? 
as  an  indemnity  to  those  of  whom  I  might  take  up  a  vesell  to  be 
paid  in  my  default  at  the  expiration  of  the  first  voyage  say  14 
months  from  the  i  July  next  I  think  there  is  a  chance  that  I 
can  procure  vessell  and  goods  to  be  sent  out  to  me  on  my  own 
ace.  and  thus  save  loading  my  buisness  with  a  nightmare. 
As  all  losses  are  to  be  insured  against  there  will  be  no  other  risk 
in  this  matter  than  what  appertains  to  me  personally,  of  whether 
I  get  there  and  whether  I  collect  articles  enough  to  pay  for  the 
goods  and  vessell.  If  I  get  there  it  must  be  a  hard  buisties:?  if 
all  my  own  property  and  the  full  amt.  of  the  securities  are 
sunk.  If  you  agree  to  do  this  I  understand  that  all  the  accom- 
modations that  you  have  promised  are  to  stand  as  settled.  Please 
answer  soon. 

Vr     aff     N.  J.  \V. 

XXIX. 

Cambridge     Jany  31st     1832 
Robt.  H.  Garaner  Esq. 

Dear  Sir  Having  in  contemplation  a 
voyage  to  the  Columbia  where  salmon  are  abundant  I  am  desi- 
rous of  information  in  regard  to  them.  None  of  these  fish  being 
taken  in  our  waters  I  am  at  a  loss  where  to  apply  for  this  informa- 
tion. Your  scituation  near  where  they  are  found  induces  me  to 
apply  to  you  and  your  luiiform  politeness  toward  me  induces  me  to 
hope  that  you  will  convey  what  information  may  be  in  3'our  power 
or  if  not  too  inconvenient  to  collect  what  may  not  be  within  3'our 
own  kaowiedge  or  indicate  to  me  where  I  may  obtain  the  same  and 
of  whom.  What  I  wish  to  know  is  how  salmon  are  pickled  and 
how  smoked  and  how  taken.  Any  inform>".tion  on  these  heads 
will  confer  an  obligation  on 

Yr  obt.  servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 
(Inserted)     How   to   keep  and  when  they  go  up  and  down  the 
rivers. 

XXX. 

Cambridge     Feb  5th     1S32 
Mr.  Seymour  Whiting  (New  York) 

Dear  Sir  Your  letter  of  3[th  ulto. 
came  in  due  time  to  hand  proposing  certain  inquiries  concerning 
my  expedition  to  the  country  claimed  by  the  U.  S.  on  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  which  I  answer  as  follows.  This  Company  go  out  for  trade 
in  such  branches  as  may  be  found  expedient  the  terms  of  agree- 
ment to  last  5  years  and  to  be  rendered  a  permanent  ettlement  if 
found  practicable  and  agreeable.  No  families  or  other  helpless 
people  will  be  taken  until  this  question  is  decided,  which  will  not 


'  I 


30 


CORR  K  SPON  DRNC  R: 


[87 


11! 


be  until  w[e]  have  been  sometime  there  and  can  judge  from  a  bet- 
ter knowledge  of  facts.  Young,  active  and  industrious  men  are 
wanted  and  any  number  will  be  received  that  will  comply  with 
the  conditions  of  the  association.  The  precise  conditions  are  not 
fixed  the  proposition  has  been  that  the  capital  and  myself  shall  draw 
8  parts  in  fifty  of  the  whole  profits  the  surgeon  2  and  the  remain- 
ing 40  parts  to  be  divided  among  48  persons.  This  will  give  8-10 
parts  of  a  full  and  equal  division  of  profits  to  each  man.  This 
proposition  supposes  that  I  shall  furnish  a  suitable  outfit  from  St. 
Louis  for  crossing  the  country  and  procure  a  vessell  and  cargo  to 
go  out  to  meet  us  on  the  coast  and  pay  all  the  expenses  for  the 
arming  and  equiping  and  transporting  the  company  to  S*.  Louis 
which  shall  be  incurred  over  and  above  40$  There  are  ht  re  now 
23  men  who  have  paid  in  their  first  assessment  toward  the  40$  as 
above,  and  there  is  no  doubt  of  our  going  before  the  ist  April, 
the  I  St  March  is  however  the  time  set  for  starting.  Our  cimp 
equipage  is  now  almost  finished  and  our  arms  and  equipments  are 
partly  in  the  armory  and  the  residue  contracted  for  to  be  de- 
livered 20th  inst.  We  deem  25  men  enough  for  the  enterprise 
but  are  willing  to  extend  the  number  to  any  amt. 

What  you  say  of  Mr.  Kelley  I  think  will  prove  true.  As  yet 
he  has  no  means  of  moving  a  step  in  the  buisness  and  in  my  opin- 
ion never  will  move.  For  further  particulars  I  beg  leave  to  refer 
you  to  Mr.  Leonard  I.  Wyeth  of  the  lirm  of  Cripps  and  Wyeth 
Pearl  St.  of  your  city.  What  you  may  decide  upon  in  the  matter 
please  make  known  to  me  as  soon  as  po-   ible,  for  the  time  is  short. 

You  will  be  required  to  pay  into  the  treasury'  20^  for  your  arms 
and  equipments  when  you  meet  us  on  our  \  ay  out  at  Baltimore. 
The  arms  &c  will  be  brought  with  us.  Tiie  remaining  20$  ma^^ 
be  paid  in  when  voted  by  the  company  prior  to  reaching  St.  Louis. 

As  soon  after  you  make  known  to  me  your  acceptance  of 
propositions,  not  differing  materially  from  the  above,  as  practi- 
cable notice  will  be  sent  you  of  the  time  of  our  moving,  place  of 
meeting  and  other  particulars. 

Yrs    &c     N.  J.  W. 

XXXI. 

Cambridge     F'eb  6th  1832 
S.  K.  Livermore  Esq.  (Milford  N.  H.) 

Dear  Sir  I  have  a  letter 
from  your  son  Tliomas  intimating  that  you  wish  to  know  what 
authority  I  have  obtained  from  Government  to  trade  in  the  coun- 
try about  the  Columbia.  In  answer  to  which  it  is  to  be  observed 
that  the  Government  has  not  extended  its  Laws  over  that 
country  and  claims  over  it  only  a  right  of  preemption.  There 
can  be  no  infraction  of  law  where  none  exists,  and  beside  which 
the  right  to  trade  there  is  inferred  from  the  public  acts  of  the 
Government,  first  in  protecting  by  its  public  armed  ships  vessells 


"jBiiwi 


88] 


WYETirS  OREGON  EXPEDITIONS. 


3' 


engaged  in  that  trade.  2dly  in  the  demanding  the  restora- 
tion of  a  trading  post  taken  by  the  British  during  the  last  war. 
3dly  by  a  stipulation  of  the  convention  between  the  U.  S.:,and 
Great  Britain  that  citizens  of  each  shall  have  a  right  to  trade  in 
any  country  there  claimed  by  either.  That  the  Govt,  would  have 
a  right  to  impose  a  licence  to  trade  with  the  Indians  there  in  the 
same  manner  as  they  have  done  in  the  Territories  has  never  been 
assumed  and  I  think  will  not  be  until  territorial  governments  are 
erected  by  them  there.  I  have  written  to  the  secretaries  of  War 
and  State  on  this  subject  but  have  yet  received  no  answer. 

Thomas  mentions  preferences  and  dificulties  concerning  the 
two  kinds  of  bugles.  These  are  matters  I  know  absolutely  no- 
thing of.  You  will  oblige  me  by  directing  him  which  kind  to 
get.  Only  keep  in  mind  that  the  capability  for  using  as  march- 
ing music  is  subordinate  to  that  of  being  used  for  signals,  and 
that  economy,  durability  and  use  are  before  shew  and  noise. 
Nevertheless  good  marching  music  has  its  use  in  keeping  up  the 
spirits  of  the  company  and  exciting  the  attention  of  the  natives 
objects  by  no  means  to  be  overlooked,  but  to  be  obtained  if  possi- 
ble without  sacrificing  the  other. 

Please  present  my  compliments  to  your  family. 

I  remain  Yr.  AflF.  Neph      N.  J.  W. 

XXXII. 

Camb.     Feb  6th 
Mr.    Leon.   Jarvis   (Baltimore) 

Dear  Sir  Circumstances  impel  me 
to  apply  to  you  for  assistance  in  my  projected  expedition.  Hav- 
ing no  claim  for  your  favorable  consideration  on  this  subject  and 
knowing  you  to  be  averse  to  the  plan  I  have  avoided  making  this 
request  until  the  last  moment,  and  to  very  near  the  time  when  I 
must  either  cltjse  with  ven,'  disadvantageous  terms  or  commence  a 
hazardous  enterprise  without  adequate  means.  In  the  beginning 
of  this  thing  I  was  induced  to  believe  that  certain  persons  here 
would  furnish  me  the  small  amount  of 
want  on  decent  terms  but  in  this 
for  after  finding  me  fully  committed  to 
enhanced  their  demands,  and  think  to 
tage.     This  they  shall  never  do. 

I  am  at  present  trying  to  make  arrangements  to  fur- 
nish the  whole  outfits  both  by  sea  and  land  and  have 
raised  what  I  think  will  procure  me  the  land  outfits  and 
a  vessell  and  perhaps  $iooo  toward  a  cargo  for  her.  The 
amount  of  goods  requisite  for  this  cargo  is  from  5  to  10000$ 
which  if  I  had  $3000  in  cash  or  good  security'  I  believe  I  could 
get  on  good  terms  here.  If  you  are  disposed  to  assist  me  in  anj' 
shape  in  this  buisness  I  would  beg  leave  to  suggest  the  following 
as  to  me  the  most   desirable  and  as  giving  to  you  some  chance  of 


capital  of  which  I  was  in 
I  find  myself  mistaken 
the  buisness  they  have 
use  me  for  their  advan- 


!  I 


3a 


CORRICvSPON  DKNC  E: 


[89 


1 

II 
I 


profit  as  well  as  loss  while  at  the  same  time  you  are  conferring  a 
great  favour  on  me.  It  is  this,  that  you  furnish  all  the  goods 
wanted  by  us  during  the  5  years  of  our  present  contract  at  a  cer- 
tain per  cent  over  and  above  their  actual  cost  including  interest 
and  Insurance  and  to  make  sale  of  the  product  of  our  trade 
on  a  certain  per  cent  commission  to  have  on  the  first  investment 
sent  out  1000$  in  cash  from  me  as  security  for  the  goods  and  an 
equal  lien  with  the  owners  of  the  vessell  on  the  goods  sent  home 
the  said  owners  to  be  secured  in  the  sum  of  5000$  which  must 
first  be  consumed  before  they  have  any  claim  on  the  return  cargo 
and  by  contract  to  be  debarred  any  claim  on  the  outward 
cargo  in  any  case.  This,  as  a  considerable  amount  of  goods  are 
carried  out  with  me  would  put  out  of  the  question  any  ver>'  great 
loss.  At  the  end  of  the  first  voyage  if  the  buisness  is  found  not 
to  be  practicable,  it  must  be  abandoned.  If  otherwise  it  will  be 
continued  and  the  proceeds  of  the  buisness  will  be  accumulated 
here  to  answer  as  security  for  the  debts   of  the  Co. 

This  proposition  I  should  not  have  made  to  you  if  Mr.  Tudor 
had  not  offered  me  such  assistance  as  would  nearly  enable  me  to 
keep  lear  of  ver>'  hard  terms,  and  having  so  nearly  accomplished 
the  object  was  a  strong  inducement  to  ask  a  thing  from  you  to 
which  I  have  not  the  slightest  claim,  and  if  the  thing  is  disagree- 
able to  you,  I  ask  you  to  excuse  the  liberty  I  have  taken. 

A  strong  inducement  to  this  enterprise  has  been  the  peculiar 
state  of  the  trade  of  the  country  in  question.  The  American 
Govt,  with  ideas  of  reciprocity  in  their  head  made  a  convention, 
which  after  having  been  once  extended  will  terminate  in  1838 
with  G.  B.  by  which  the  citizens  of  either  power  have  a  common 
right  of  trade  in  the  whole  territory  claimed  by  both  on  that 
coast.  I  think  this  convention  will  not  be  renewed  becausf  't 
virtually  destroys  our  trade  there  by  opening  it  to  the  competition  of 
the  British  Co.  whose  capital  and  facilities  are  so  great  that  vessells 
cannot  trade  to  a  profit  on  that  coast  the}^  being  subject  to  a  long 
delay  on  the  coast  whereas  the  British  trade  is  effected  by  posts 
and  their  vessells  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  discharge  and  re-load. 
If  at  the  expiration  of  this  convention  it  should  not  be  renewed 
and  I  do  not  think  that  it  can  be  some  part  of  that  coast  will  be 
an  unencumbered  field  to  whoever  may  then  be  there,  because  in 
the  mean  time  the  present  American  trade  in  vessells  will  disap- 
pear before  the  more  economical  methods  of  the  British  and  mine 
so  far  as  that  has  any  effect.  And  I  do  not  think  that  any  other 
person  will  think  of  establishing  posts  in  that  country  if  I  succeed 
in  so  doing.  Of  the  goodness  of  this  trade  if  I  can  get  it  free 
from  other  competition  than  that  of  vessells  there  can  be  no  doubt 
and  I  think  I  may  do  well  in  it  even  under  pre::ent  circumstan- 
ces. Another  inducement  with  [me]  has  been  the  being  obliged 
to  leave  one  half  of  my  buisness  and  the  insufficiency  of  the  other 
to  secure  me  employment   more  than  half  of  the  year,  or  give  me 


9o] 


WYETirvS    ORIvGON     KXl'KDITIOXvS. 


3.^ 


the  amt.  of  income  which  at  this  time  of  hfe  I  ought  to  be  get- 
ting. Altho  I  am  well  aware  that  you  do  not  approve  of  the  di- 
rection ray  mind  has  taken  yet  your  conversation  with  me  at 
New  York  convinces  me  that  you  think  I  should  make  a  move  of 
some  kind.  Now  in  the  kind  of  move  which  I  have  taken  I  have 
been  guided  I  think  by  a  sound  judgement  in  regard  to  my  capa- 
bilities whether  experience  will  justify  this  judgement  rema.ns  to 
be  proved  but  in  the  mean  time  I  cannot  divest  myself  of  the 
opinion  that  I  shall  compete  better  with  mj'  fellow  men  in  new 
and  untried  paths  than  in  those  to  pursue  which  reqitires  only 
patience  and  attention.  You  have  accused  me  of  want  of  pa- 
tience and  the  world  will  readily  believe  you  but  I  think  both 
you  and  them  blend  the  want  of  patience  and  the  want  or  per- 
severance in  one  idea  whereas  I  believe  them  to  be  quite  separate 
and  not  at  all  incompatible.  In  raising  means  I  beg  you  to  be- 
lieve that  I  have  not  availed  myself  of  m^'  position  in  the  family  to 
borrow  money  or  credit  of  those  who  it  is  a  duty  in  me  to  keep 
from  risque  of  damage  or  of  any  person  who  is  not  in  a  scituation 
to  judge  for  himself  of  the  danger  and  to  sustain  the  damage  that 
may  accrue  and  that  no  extremity  will  tempt  me  to  do  so.  I 
mention  this  to  put  your  mind  at  ease  on  a  subject  upon  which 
you  might  naturally  feel  solicitude.  I  will  conclude  this  letter  by 
asking  of  you  as  a  favour  that  you  will  answer  it  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible as  mv  time  is  verv  short. 

I  am  &c     N.  J.  \V. 

XXXIII. 

Cambridge     Feb  8th     1832 
Mess  A.  Norris  &  Co 

Gent  Will  you  have  the  goodness  to  ascer- 
tain if  Traps  suitable  for  the  N.West  trade  can  be  purchased  in 
your  city  and  if  so  at  what  price.  They  should  weigh  5  lbs 
each  have  double  springs  Jaws  without  teeth  with  a  chain  6 
feet  long  having  two  swivells  in  it.  Of  these  I  want  about  2odoz. 
If  you  will  attend  immediately  to  this  buisness  you  will  oblige 
me  as  they  are  wanted  to  start  almost  immediately  on  their 
destination. 

(P.  S.  Please  direct  me  at  this  place)       Yr  Obt  Sevt    N.  J.  W. 

XXXIV. 

Cambridge  Feb  7th  1832 
Judah  Touro  (N  Orleans) 

Dear  Sir  Some  time  since  I  directed 
Mr.  Charles  Wyeth  of  Baltimore  to  place  in  your  hands  a  note  a- 
gainst  Morton  Brown  &  Co.  for  888.25.  Will  you  please  get  it  dis- 
counted without  recourse  to  the  original  endorser  and  after  taking 
out  your  commissions  transmit  the  proceeds  to  Baltimore  to  ray 
direction  to  the  care   rif   Mess   Wyeth   aiid    Xorris   in   a   U.    S. 


(        I 


34 


CORRHSPONDKNCK: 


[91 


■ 

M 


Bank  check  on  St.  Louis  or  Baltimore.  You  are  authorized  to 
pay  as  high  as  ten  per  cent  for  discounting  this  note,  but  please 
present  it  to  the  giver  in  the  first  place.  The  reason  of  getting 
this  note  cashed  at  so  high  a  rate  is  not  want  of  faith  in  it,  but 
an  immediate  want  of  money  on  my  part. 

N.  J.  W. 

XXXV. 

Cambridge     Feb  7th     1832 
Robt.  H.  Gardner  Ksq 

Dear  Sir  Your  ver>'  polite  and  useful  fa- 
vour of  4th  inst.  came  duly  to  hand.  As  I  have  carefully 
examined  the  mode  of  taking  all  the  fish  caught  in  your  rivers 
with  the  exception  of  salmon  the  modes  described  by  you  were 
readily  understood  and  are  every  thing  I  wished  on  the  subject. 
It  is  impossible  for  me  to  visit  your  vicinity  at  this  time.  Mr. 
Tudor's  ice  must  be  shipped  and  that  done  I  must  leave  imme- 
diately. 

In  asking  you  to  ascertain  from  Mr.  Palmer  the  modes  of 
curing  salmon,  I  fear  to  trespass  on  good  nature  and  nothing  but 
my  inability  to  get  the  information  elsewhere  induces  me  to  trou- 
ble one  whose  time  I  know  to  be  so  much  occupied.  If  you  will 
admit  this  as  an  excuse  I  will  ask  the  favour. 

The  kind  wish  expressed  at  the  end  of  your  letter  I  value 
much,  in  as  much  as  it  is  highly  creditable  to  have  the  wishes  of 
the  good  in  ones  favour.  The  older  writers  affirm  that  such 
prayers  avail  much  and  this  supposition  is  so  consonant  to  human 
feelings  that  I  am  not  disposed  to  doubt  it.  Will  you  accept  my 
thanks  for  your  good  wishes  and  assistance  in  this  matter. 
Should  you  have  buisness  in  any  part  of  the  world  where  I  am 
I  should  esteem  it  a  favor  to  be  able  to  make  a  return  for  these 
favours.  I  am  &c     N  J  \V 

XXXVI. 

Cambridge     Feb  Sth     1832 
Brother  Charles 

Your  letter  in  answer  to  mine  of  the  23  and  29th 
ult.  is  at  hand.  Your  proposition  of  purchasing  at  N.  York  has 
been  adopted  and  all  goods  except  a  few  staple  articles  will  be 
purchased  in  accordance  to  it.  Letters  to  Mr.  Johnson  will  be 
highly  acceptable  and  usefuU. 

The  request  which  I  made  you  was  to  give  your  name  for  secu- 
rity for  any  contract  which  I  may  make  for  a  vessell  in  the  sum  of 
1000$  and  is  independent  of  the  888.25.  The  800$  you  name 
will  do,  and  the  earliest  liability  on  this  will  be  at  the  expiration 
of  a  voyage  commenced  at  ist  July  next  to  last  at  least  14 
months  that  is  17  months  hence.  The  offer  of  25  per  ct.  of 
profits  for  furnishing  me  goods  and  vessell  was  never  a  good  offer. 


92] 


WYKTirS  ORK(iOX  i:XPKI)ITIONvS. 


35 


-r, 


but  such  as  it  was  they  backed  out  of  it,  by  adding  commissions 
for  buying  and  selling  fixing  prices  of  articles,  and  charter  of  ves- 
sell,  to  such  an  amount  as  would  have  been  ruinous  and  was  no 
part  of  the  original  understanding.  I  have  therefore  rejected  any 
further  overtures  with  them,  and  consider  that  they  have  broken 
faith  with  me  and  attempted  to  use  me  like  a  fool.  I  am  offered 
room  for  shipping  home  goods  on  board  of  3  vessells  now  on 
that  coast  on  good  terms  and  I  think  of  closing  the  agreement,  and 
taking  with  me  such  goods  as  I  know  will  do  and  sending  home 
my  collections  by  one  of  them  with  directions  to  forward  me  such 
goods  and  vessells  as  are  wanted  which  I  will  then  be  able  to  de- 
termine and  the  1000$  for  which  I  asked  you  to  bind  yourself 
will  probably  be  used  to  enable  me  to  obtain  the  credit  of  a  ves- 
sell  the  arrangements  for  which  I  must  make  before  I  leave  here, 
so  as  to  be  sure  that  there  shall  be  no  fail  when  it  is  wanted.  I 
have  written  to  you  Mr.  Jarvis  and  Leonard  in  the  same  manner 
as  though  I  were  to  fit  out  this  thing  immediately  on  my 
own  ace.  and  Risk  because  it  is  possible  that  I  may  be  obliged  to 
do  so,  but  I  would  by  no  means  do  it  if  the  arrangement  above 
stated  can  be  made,  for  if  the  buisness  is  fi'  to  be  pursued  I  shall 
when  such  vessell  arrives  here  have  an  am  of  property  in  Boston 
which  with  $5000  in  security  in  gooc'  names  (which  the  1000$ 
I  ask  of  you  will  complete)  will  enable  me  to  purchase  the  goods 
and  the  vessell  on  ordinary  commissions.  It  is  very  important 
that  I  do  not  bind  myself  to  throw  the  commissions  of  this  buis- 
ness into  the  hands  of  strangers  for  the  whole  5  years  of  our 
contract  altho.  I  may  be  obliged  to  do  so  at  first  as  an  inducement 
for  giving  for  me  the  accommodations  which  I  want.  If  this 
buisness  should  prove  successfull  the  commissions  alone  would 
arat.  to  4000$  per  annum  and  the  control  of  them  I  mean  to 
keep  if  I  can  to  repay  those  who  may  now  help  me  of  my  own 
family  and  who  may  again  be  in  want  of  something  of  the  sort  to 
keep  them  up  in  the  world  as  has  happened  in  days  past.  If  you 
speak  with  Mr.  Jarvis  on  the  subject  yovi  can  name  to  him  my 
reasons  for  not  accepting  the  offer  of  25  per  cent. 

I  have  hinted  the  nature  of  my  objections  to  it  in  a  letter  to 
him.  I  shall  be  careful  not  to  name  what  you  propose  to  do  to 
any  one,  there  is  no  advantage  in  talking  of  these  matters.  I 
shall  probably  be  in  Baltimure  by  the  1 5th  March  and  may  then 
see  you.  Please  write  me  whether  Mr.  Jarvis  is  angry  that  I 
have  undertaken  this  thing.  I  wish  to  know  on  what  terms  I 
am  to  stand  with  him  and  how  to  meet  him.  He  told  L.  that  he 
though[t]  that  you  had  advised  me  to  it.  I  will  undeceive  him  in 
this  matter. 

J  Will  you  please  to  look  in  the  city  for  Beaver  traps.  They  should 
weigh  5  lbs.  have  double  springs,  Jaws  without  teeth  and  chain  6 
feet  long  with  2  swivells  in  it.  Of  them  I  want  40  doz  and 
write  me  the  price  for  which  they  can  be    had   cash.     If  such  are 


36 


CORK  KvSPONDKNCR: 


[93 


I 


not  to  he  found  write  me  the  nearest   thing   you   can  get  and  the 
price. 

If  you  agree  to  he  responsihle  for  rae  in  any  similar  sum  to  the 
one  asked,  please  write  me  a  letter  containing  ( nothing  else)  sta- 
ting that  when  called  on  to  do  so  you  will  be  bound  for  me  in 
800$  or  1000$  as  the  sum  may  be,  for  any  debt  or  engagement 
my  merchant  here  may  make  for  me,  payable  as  an  indemnity  for 
my  default,  on  three  months  notice,  at  any  time  after  Sept  15th 
1833.  This  letter  with  others  I  shall  place  in  the  hands  of  my 
merchant  here,  and  when  I  order  him  to  send  me  out  a  vessell  or 
goods  he  will  call  on  you  to  give  said  bond  as  security  for  the 
fulfilment  of  my  engagement.  If  you  are  willing  to  do  this, 
please  forward  the  letter  as  above  as  soon  as  possible. 

And  oblige 

Yraif.     N.  J.  Wyeth 

P.  vS.  When  I  arrive  at  Baltimore  I  shall  want  about  6  horses 
to  carry  my  goods  and  wagons  to  Pitsburg  or  Wheeling  please 
write  rae  in  what  manner  they  can  be  hired  and  for  what  sum 
probably.  The  horses  only  are  wanted  harness  I  have  complete. 
They  will  l)e  wanted  from  the  15th  to  20th  March.  At  New 
York  I  will  send  you  specimens  of  some  small  articles  which 
I  want  if  I  do  not  get  them  before  you  go  there. 


XXXVIl. 

Cambridge     Feb  Toth 


1832 


Mr.  John  Ball  (New  York) 

Dear  Sir 

Your  favor  of  8th  inst  is  at  hand. 
The  letter  to  Mr  Bache  dated  18  ulto.  contains  all  the  information 
which  I  can  at  present  communicate  in  regard  to  the  plan  of  the 
expedition.  What  Mr.  Kelley  tells  you  is  not  the  truth.  It  is 
true  that  I  once  proposed  to  join  this  expedition  of  his,  but  I  re- 
linquished that  idea  when  they  joined  their  two  expeditions  into 
one,  for  I  consider  it  impracticable  to  and  inhuman  to  attempt  a 
passage  across  the  continent  with  a  party  composed  of  men  wom- 
en and  children.  The  undertaking  is  enough  for  men.  Your 
observation  in  regard  to  the  salmon  fishing  is  good,  and  a  strong 
effort  will  be  made  to  arrive  in  season  to  avail  ourselves  of  it  to 
procure  food  for  the  winter.  I  see  no  probability  that  Mr. 
Kelleys  party  will  move  at  present.  They  have  made  no 
preparation  as  yet,  nor  do  I  believe  that  they  can  ever  make  pro- 
vision for  moving  such  a  mass  as  they  propose. 

My  party  will  leave  Boston  early  in  March  and  may  be  ex- 
pected to  arrive  in  Baltimore  by  the  15th  of  the  month.  We 
have  now  nearly  enough  men  but  any  number  of  suitable  persons 
will  be  received  on  the  conditions  named  in  my  letter  to  Mr. 
Bache.  Please  use  this  letter  as  one  of  introduction  to  Mr. 
Charles  Wyeth  of  the  firm  of  Wyeth  and  Norris   Merchants  Bait- 


94] 


WVHTirS    ORKC.ON     HXPKDITlONvS. 


37 


Ir. 
ilt- 


imore  who  is  my  Brother  and  has  some  general  knowledge  of  my 
plans.  This  gentleman  will  leave  Balto.  for  New  York  about 
the  25th  inst.  after  which  time  he  may  be  found  at  Mess.  Cripps 
and  Wyeth  in  Pearl  St.  Mr.  Leonard  I.  Wyeth  of  the  last  named 
firm  will  also  give  you  any  information  on  this  subject  which  he 
may  pos.sess.  He  is  also  a  brother  of  mine*  If  you  conclude  to 
join  our  expedition  please  give  me  early  notice  and  J)ear  in  mind 
that  there  will  be  no  avoidable  delay  in  setting  out. 

I  am  Yr  Obt  vServ't     Nathaniel  J.  Wyeth. 

XXXVIII. 

Cambridge  Feb  loth  1S32 
Brother    lyeonard    (New  York) 

Yr  favor  of  3d.  has  been  received 
I  have  been  fearful!  for  some  time  that  some  things  would  turn 
out  as  appears  to  be  the  case  Nevertheless  be  of  good  cheer  patience 
overcometh  all  things.  I  have  found  a  master  of  a  vesselljustfrom 
the  N.W.  who  will  furnish  me  with  the  requisite  information 
as  to  goods  and  I  have  written  A  Norris  &  Co  of  your  city  to  pro- 
cure some  of  them.  I  have  closed  all  except  drawing  bonds  with 
a  substantial  commission  merchant  here  an  agreement  which  is 
entirely  .satisfactory.  He  agrees  for  ordinary  commissions  to 
bind  himself  to  execute  my  order  in  regard  to  goods  on  the 
strength  of  furs  collected  and  deposited  on  the  N  W  Coast  and 
will  furnish  at  my  order  at  any  time  within  two  j^ears  at  a  certain 
agreed  rate  of  charter  a  vessell  or  vessells  as  many  as  are  want- 
ed to  fetch  and  carry  on  my  furnishing  names  as  security  in  in- 
demnity for  loss  by  my  fault  to  the  amt.  of  5000$  payable 
three  months  after  loss  ascertained.  The  first  vovage  cainiot 
be  terminated  before  July  1834  because  it  will  not  be  com- 
menced until  a  year  from  the  time  I  leave  here  and  the  voyage  will 
take  one  year  and  delay  four  months  and  the  3  months  above 
added  will  bring  the  earliest  responsibility  to  the  ist  Oct  1834 
within  a  few  months  of  the  time  which  you  proposed  in  your  letter 
of  Jany  loth  for  the  last  payt.  Will  you  agree  to  indemnify  iti 
my  default  to  the  amt.  of  1500$  3  months  after  damage  is  settled. 
If  so  please  write  me  a  letter  containing  nothing  else  in  definite 
terms  what  you  are  willing  to  do.  This  letter  I  will  place  in  the 
hands  of  my  -»^erchant  here  and  when  I  order  goods  and  vessells 
he  will  call  on  you  for  a  bond  of  indemnity  for  the  amt.  A 
copy  of  my  agreement  with  him  I  will  furnish  you  before  leaving. 
Mr.  Tudor  of  his  own  accord  offered  to  give  his  name  for 
2500.  This  with  yours,  and  a  similar  one  for  1000$  of  another 
person  enables  me  to  make  this  arrangement.  This  arrangement  is 
all  that  I  want  in  as  macli  as  there  will  be  next  summer  on  that 
coast  3  vessells  by  which  I  can  make  shipments  home  in  all  prob- 
ability and  at  any  rate  can  send  information  home  of  what  I  have 
collected  and  what  I  want    which    will   do  just  as  well.     I  have 


.v^ 


CORKHSl'ONDKNCI- 


[95 


1)eon  retiuosleil  to  lake  k-iters  to  all  these  vessells  with  orders  to 
let  me  have  what  freijjflit  I  want  on  reasoiial)le  terms  if  they  are 
not  full  of  which  there  is  no  great  d anger  as  v^ssclls  never  till  up 
entirely  in  this  trade.  Finding  how  inconvenient  this  thing 
might  prove  to  you  I  have  written  to  Mr.  J.  to  ask  him  for  casli 
or  name  to  a  small  amt.  if  he  agrees  I  shall  relieve  you  of  any 
tronl)le. 

Vr  Aftc  cK:     N.  J.   W. 

XXXIX. 


i.^i^ 


Cambridge     I'Vl)   T3th 
Sol.   K  Livcrmore  I-sq.  (Milford  N.  H.) 

Dear  Sir  Your  favor  of  the  9th  is  hut  this  moment  received. 
We  may  leave  Hoston  the  ist  Teuy  of  next  month  and  shall  not  he 
here  the  7th  day.  I  f  Thomas  is  to  go  he  must  he  liere  very  near  the 
20th  inst  as  some  little  time  is  reiiuired  to  organize.  The  bugle 
buisiieas  is  well.  I  never  went  to  Washington  for  anything  rela- 
ting to  this  buisness  not  having  been  there  this  four  years.  I 
have  notified  the  (^.overnment  by  letter  of  the  expedition  and 
asked  information  of  them  in  regard  to  the  laws  relating  to  In- 
dian trade,  and  offered  to  communicate  to  them  any  information 
which  I  might  obtain  wliile  there.  My  letters  have  been  an- 
swered as  I  expected  conveying  information  in  regard  to  the  laws 
of  the  trade  and  notifying  that  the  Department  of  War  would 
receive  and  avail  itself  of  any  information  which  I  might  com- 
municate. The  information  which  you  have  received  that  a  party 
left  Boston  for  that  country  is  not  fact  no  party  has  left  any  part 
of  the  U.  S.  within  several  years  for  that  country  and 
th-^re  is  now  uo  American  trading  posts  or  Americans  there  ex- 
ceiit  vrhat  may  be  in  vessells  on  the  coast.  There  are  in  the  space 
from  the  Rooky  Mountains  to  the  sea  and  between  the  42  and 
49th  deg.  N.Latt.  three  British  trading  posts  there  ma}- be  more  but 
this  is  all  that  I  know  of,  but  between  the  Columbia  River  in  46 
deg.  15  min.  and  the  Spanish  line  in  42  deg.  and  extending  back 
600  miles  to  the  Rock\'  Mounts,  there  is  no  establishment  of 
any  kind.  Smith,  Pilcher,  Ashly,  Soublette,  Jackson  of  the 
western  states  are  all  said  to  have  made  money  in  this  buisness. 
J.  Baker  and  Son,  the  two  Boardmans,  Josiah  Marshall,  I)ixie[?] 
Wilde,  the  Perkins  of  Boston  have  made  money  in  this  buisness, 
which  proves  that  the  buisness  must  be  carried  on,  which  is  as 
much  as  to  prove  that  those  who  may  become  practicably  ac- 
quainted with  the  buisness  and  are  found  capable  and  intelligent 
can  always  have  good  buisness  as  agents  for  others,  for  all  of 
these  men  must  have  agents,  none  of  them  go  out  themselves. 
Thomas  is  young  and  5  years  hence  would  be  earlj'  enough  for 
him  to  undertake  buisnes  seriously,  and  he  would  then  be  fit  if 
he   pays    attention  to  it  to  conduct    any    fur   buisness  and  in  my 


]  I 


96] 


WVKTII'S  ORKCON  I^XPRDITIOXS. 


39 


estimation  there  is  as  tine  an  opening  in  this  as  any  he  cf)ul(l  un- 
rU-rtakc  especially  as  in  this  trade  knowledge  will  stand  in  lieu  of 
capital  in  a  greater  flegree  than  in  tnost  kinds  of  Imisness  for  who 
had  not  if  he  was  about  sending  out  an  expedition  rather  give  '/^ 
l)rofits  to  an  experienced  man  with  no  capital  than  to  a  man  with 
capital  and  without  experience. 

I  beg  you  to  bear  in  mind  that  I  do  not  urge  his  going.  If  he 
does  go  let  it  be  at  his  own  instance  and  not  mine.  All  I  can  say 
is  that  if  he  exerts  himself  he  shall  have  a  chance  in  proportion 
in  any  arrangement  that  shall  be  made  after  the  five  years  are  ex- 
]>ircd  and  that  during  tli  it  time  he  shall  have  the  same  prop, 
of  profits  as  the  o'.her  men  and  be  used  as  well  in  all  respects  and 
receive  from  me  every  knidness  and  attention  in  my  power  to 
licstow.  I  am  Vr.  obt.  Servt. 

Xath.  J.   Wyeth 

XI.. 


Cambridge     I'cb   13th      1.S32 
Mall  J.  Kelley  ICsci  (Washington) 

Dear  Sir 

Your  favor  of  the  7th  inst 
is  at  hand.  However  well  affairs  are  going  on  at  Washington 
matters  little  to  m/  Anything  they  can  do  will  come  too  late  for 
my  purposes.  My  arrangements  are  made  to  leave  here  ist 
.March  and  I  shall  not  alter  them,  neither  can  I  delay  on  my 
route. 

1  wish  yi>u  well  in  your  undertaking  but  regret  that  you  could 
not  have  moved  at  the  time  and  in  the  manner  first  proposed. 
When  you  .adopted  the  plan  of  taking  across  the  continent  in  the 
ist  expedition  women  and  children  I  gave  up  all  hope  that  you 
would  go  at  all  and  all  intention  of  going  with  you  if  you  did. 
The  delays  inseparable  from  a  convoy  of  this  kind  are  so  great 
that  you  could  not  keep  the  mass  together  and  if  you  could  the 
delay  would  ruin  my  projects.  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  the 
information  concerning  licenses  and  Remain 

Vr.  obt.  servt.      Xath.    T.   Wveth 


ti 


XIJ. 


Cambridge     Feb  13th     iS'^2 
Mess  Davenport  &:  I^yron  (,X  York) 

C^ent  Yotir  fav.  of  loth 
inst  is  at  hand.  Please  order  20  Doz  of  the  traps  such  as  you 
name  and  such  as  used  by  Mr.  Astor  to  l)e  done  as  soon  as 
possible  and  sent  to  Baltimore  so  as  to  arrive  there  certainly  by 
the  7th  March.  Concerning  chains  I  will  advise  you  farther 
and  also  of  what  other  goods  are  wanted  and  cannot  be  obtained 
in  this  place. 


40 


CORRlSroNDF.NCF:: 


[97 


'! 


Please  inform  me  whether   you    wish    me   to  send  the  funds  to 
you  or  whether  you  will   draw  on  me.     If  the  latter  let  it  lie  at  5 
days  sight  and  so  as  to  reach    here   not  later  than  ist  March. 
I  am  yr  oht.  servt     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

XMI. 

Cambridjfc     Feb  17th     1S32 
liroth.  Leonard  (New  York) 

Your  favor  of  the  13th  is  at  hand  and 
as  you  do  not  acknowledge  mine  of  the  loth  I  fear  it  has  miscar- 
ried. In  lieu  of  the  proposition  contained  in  it  I  will  ask  you  to 
place  your  guarantee  on  the  back  of  the  agreement  which  I  have 
made  with  Mess  Hall  and  Williams  which  will  l)e  the  same 
thing  to  you  and  save  future  trouble  if  loss  should  arise.  You 
cHiniot  be  called  upon  for  indemnity  short  of  30  months  which 
will  be  Sept  1834  but  a  short  time  prior  to  the  last  sum 
named  in  your  letter  of  loth  Jany.  and  differs  so  little  from  your 
own  proposal  that  I  have  proceeded  on  the  presumption  that  you 
would  do  it  and  shall  forward  the  document  to  your  place  before 
the  25th.  You  will  perceive  by  the  agreement  with  Tucker  Hall& 
Williams  that  the  first  shipment  that  will  l)e  made  (and  of  course 
the  first  responsibility  which  you  will  incur)  will  be  predicated  on 
on  orders  sent  home  by  me  which  cannot  be  short  of  a  year.  One 
year  more  at  least  for  the  shi;.ment  to  return  and  loss  ascertained 
and  unavoidable  delnys  naIU  bring  your  liability  to  as  distant  u 
time  as  the  one  I  have  named  but  if  you  think  advisable  you  can 
name  tht  time  at  whicV"  vou  do  bind  yourself  to  indemnify  in  the 
'■\iUy  on  bucV  of  ,  1^  agreement. 

The  agreement  I  hnve  made  is  precisely  what  Mr. (Osgood  though[t] 
could  be  procured  rf  Mess.  J.  Baker  and  son.  I  called  on  them 
but  they  would  make  me  no  offer,  but  after  having  closed  with 
Hall  and  Co.  they  were  anxious  to  do  it,  and  expressed  them- 
selves disappointed  that  it  was  too  late.  I  would  have  liked  an 
arrangement  with  them  better  because  they  are  in  the  trade. 
The  others  otherwise  are  as  good  men  as  they  can  be.  I  am  afraid 
I  closed  rather  hastily  but  I  had  lieen  bandied  much  by  those  iti 
the  trade  and  I  expected  the  same  thing  with  them.  My  time 
was  short  and  the  offer  I  got  as  good  as  could  jx)ssibly  be  made  by 
good  men. 

Say  to  Mr.  Osgood  tliat  I  am  much  bliged  to  him  for  his 
kindness  and  that  his  letter  will  yet  lo  m-^  service  probably  in 
enabling  me  to  make  arrangement  with  Mr.  Baker  to  take  any 
surplus  of  goods  which  his  vassells  are  liable  to  have  when  leav- 
ing that  coast. 

Please  answer  soon.         YraffBro.     Xathl.  J.   Wyeth. 


yS] 


WYICTH'S  ORKCON   KXrivDITlONS. 


4t 


XLIII. 

Cambridjfe     Tel).   21     1H32 
Mess  Davenport  i\:  Hvroti  ( X  York ) 

Cent.  The  Bond  of  A.  Xor- 
ris  &  Co  mentioned  iti  yonr  letter  of  i6th  inst  I  will  take  up,  and 
transmit  the  same  to  you  with  funds  to  meet  the  balance  of  dis- 
bursements in  a  Branch  check  at  which  time  I  will  advise  you 
further.  I  am  «:c  y     X.  J.  W. 

XMV. 

Camlmdjfc    Feb  22d,  1H32 
Bro. Leonard  X.  York 

Your  letter  of  rS  itist  is  at  hand.  I 
shall  send  to  New  York  a  copy  of  the  agreement  with  Hall  and  Will- 
iams and  Mr  Tucker  as  soon  as  the  same  is  signed  by  them  which 
cannot  be  until  the  ist  March  because  the  stile  of  their  firm  is  then 
to  be  changed.  I  am  pleased  that  you  are  suited  with  these  men. 
I  have  been  long  acquainted  with  them  and  esteem  them  highly 
as  honest  and  upright  men.  The  surplus  funds  are  subject  to  my 
order  so  far  as  to  cover  all  the  disbursements  made  bj-^  me  and 
any  surplus  funds  after  said  deduction  are  subject  to  the  order  of 
the  Co.  so  far  as  placing  them  where  they  please  in  trust  for  the 
said  Co  and  as  a  fund  to  secure  the  debts  of  the  Co  and  to  l>e  so 
kept  in  trust  until  the  expiration  of  the  5  years.  My  agreement 
with  Hall  and  Williams  binds  them  to  deposit  in  bank  any  sur- 
plus fund  that  may  arise  in  default  of  orders  on  the  subject. 

I  shall  forward  to  you  the  agreement  to  be  signed  by  the  Com- 
pany which  will  explain  to  the  persons  you  name  the  nature  of 
their  duties  and  proportion  of  profits.  In  the  mean  time  assure 
any  that  call  that  we  are  really  going  to  start  by  or  before 
I  St  March.  When  I  forward  this  document  I  shall  give  informa- 
tion concerning  the  hopes  and  prospects  of  the  Co  &c.  and  speci- 
fy how  many  are  then  wanted  to  fill  up  and  of  what  trades.  For 
this  purpose  I  shall  then  request  you  or  some  other  person  to  ad- 
vertise in  your  city.  Persons  thus  engaged  will  arrive  in  Balto. 
as  soon  as  we  shall  and  there  join  us.  This  must  serve  instead  of 
your  proposition  of  coming  on  by  land.  Policy  forbids  sending 
on  the  men  alone. 

The  offer  which  j-ou  make  of  a  letter  of  credit  for  500$  relieves 
me  much,  if  you  could  give  me  one  for  1300$  and  in  case  I  draw 
for  more  than  the  500$  you  could  draw  on  Jas.  Brown  for  the  sur- 
plus it  would  accomodate  me  much.  B  will  answer  drafts  for  the 
800$  at  ten  days  sight  and  in  such  case  pledge  property  of  mine 
in  his  hands  to  raise  it. 

The  guarantee  which  I  wish  you  to  make  I  have  placed  on  the 
back  of  my  agreement  with  H  &  Williams  made  payable  in  de- 
fault 27  months  from  date. 

[Xo  signature.] 


liB" 


42 


CORRKvSrONnKNCR: 
XI.V. 


[99 


Cambridge     Feb  26th     1832 
iJrother  Jacob  (Howel  Furnace  N  Jersey) 

I  write  to  inform  you 
that  on  Thursday  March  :st  we  shall  form  our  camp  on  Long 
Island  in  Boston  Harbour  and  that  within  6  days  thereafter  we 
shall  sail  for  Baltimore.  I  write  thus  early  that  you  may  loose  no 
time  in  making  preparations  for  a  moove  to — 

[This  letter  breaks  off  because  a  leaf  of  the  letter-book  has  been 
torn  out  at  this  point.] 

XI  A' I. 

Cambridge     Feb  28th     1832 
Mess.  Davenport  &  Byron  (N  York) 

Gent.  Enclosed  you  [will 
find]  the  bond  of  Mess.  A.  Norris  and  Co.  which  please  pass  to 
my  credit,  and  after  making  the  small  purch[a'ijes  below  named  for- 
ward to  me  an  ace.  of  your  disbursements  kvith  ballance  due  you 
said  ballance  I  will  then  foi  ward  to  you  in  a  Branch  check.  These 
papers  must  arrive  here  by  the  6th  March  as  I  may  leave  Boston 
as  soon  as  that  time.  Let  them  be  directed  to  jue  in  Boston  to 
the  care  of  Frederic  Tudor  Esq.  If  you  find  it  impossible  to  get 
theye  accounts  here  by  the  time  named  present  them  to  Mess 
Cripps  and  Wyeth  Pearl  St.  whom  I  will  request  to  settle  them. 
I  wish  you  to  send  the  goods  to  me  to  the  care  of  Mess  Wyeth 
&  Norris  Baltimore  and  by  the  steam-boat  line  if  possible  to  avoid 
the  risk  of  their  not  arriving  in  season.  Nearly  all  the  goods 
wanted  have  been  obtained  here.  The  chains  I  have  obtained. 
What  I  new  want  is  3  doz.  Spanish  knives  of  best  quality  for 
personal  aims  5  ^  inch  blade  with  a  set  to  prevent  its  shutting 
when  open,  60  to  8[o]  yds  of  red  cloth  such  as  is  used  in  the  In- 
dian trade  to  cost  not  more  than  1.75  per  yard  of  a  bright  scarlet 
6-4  wide.  Purchase  none  unles?  of  the  k's.d  you  know  to  be 
used  in  the  Indian  trade,  ibout  50$  worth  oi  beads  of  the  size  of 
the  large  ones  which  are  enclosed  3^  of  the  blue  of  the  same 
shade  as  nearly  as  can  be  ot  the  small  ones.  Of  the  small  ones  I 
have  purchased  an  assortment. 

fNo  signature.] 

XLVII 

Long  Island  Boston  Harbor  March  3d     1832 
Mr  Seymour  Whiting  (New  York) 

Dear  Sir  Your  fav.  of  27  ulto. 
came  in  course  to  hand  and  would  have  been  answered  before 
this  but  for  my  being  extremely  buisy  in  forming  my  camp  at 
this  place  which  was  done  on  the  'st  inst.  We  shall  sail  during 
all  the  time  to  the  8th  inst  [?]  for  Baltimore  per  Bg.  Ida  \vith  a 
fair  complement  of  men. 


loo] 


WYRTH'S    ORK(iON     KXPRDITIONS. 


43 


This  expedition  employs  so  nearly  all  my  means  that  I  find  it 
impossible  to  comply  with  your  proposal  but  were  my  means 
more  extended  I  would  with  pleasure  do  it  to  ensure  the  benefit 
of  your  company.  Say  to  Mess  Ball  and  Sinclair  that  we  have 
commenced  in  the  work  and  shall  go  on  with  spirit.  They  have 
probably  ere  this  had  a  note  from  my  brother  of  the  firm  of 
Crippa  and  Wyeth  in  whose  hand  a  copy  of  the  compact  has  been 
placed.        , 

I  am  yr  obt  servt     X.  J.  W 


XIA'III. 


1S32 


Camp  Long  Island  Boston  Harbour    March  3d 
Mr.  H.  J.  Kelley  (Washington) 

Dear  vSir 

Your  fav.  of  24th  ulto.  vas 
received  on  the  2nd  inst.  being  the  day  after  I  formed  my  camp  at 
this  place.  I  have  not  and  shall  not  call  on  Genl.  Mc  Neil  having 
written  him  once  and  received  no  answer.  I  sail  per  Bg.  Ida 
within  5  days  for  Baltimore  and  may  be  expected  there  from  the 
15  to  the  20th  inst.  but  shall  remain  there  no  longer  than  I  can 
possibly  help. 

I  am  perpectly  well  aware  of  the  importance  of  cooperation  of 
all  the  Americans  who  may  go  to  that  countr\'  but  I  am  well  con- 
vinced that  this  thing  has  been  delayed  too  long  already  and  that 
further  delay  will  defeat  my  enterprise  beside  not  being  in  the 
habit  of  setting  two  times  to  do  one  thing.  I  am  quite  willing  to 
join  your  emigration  but  will  not  delay  here  or  at  St.  Louis.  You 
very  much  mistake  if  you  think  I  wish  to  desert  your  party,  but 
you  must  recollect  that  last  ist  Jany  was  set  at  first  as  the  time  of 
starting. 

I  am  yr  Obt  Servt.  X.  J.  W. 

XLIX. 

Cambridge  Camp  Long  Island  March  4  1832 
[This  part  of  the  head  of  the  letter   and   the   date  are  writ- 
ten with  the  ink  used  in  writing  the  first  portion  of  the  following 
letter.     All  excepting  the  date   is  crossed  out   with  ink  used   in 
writing  second  portion.] 

Bg.  Ida  at  Sea 
[With    ink    used  in  second  portion.] 
Bro.  Perry  (Nevvbur>'  Vt.) 

Your  letter  of  Dec  22  was  received  in 
due  time.  I  have  defered  answeritig  to  this  time  that  I  might 
speak  as  one  on  the  verge  of  a  great  event.  Yr  letter  to  Mess. 
Clark  and  Grau  shall  be  delivered  if  opportunity  serves.  Perhaps 
it  is  a  dead  letter.  What  you  write  in  regard  to  myself  I  presume 
is  the  truth  and  that  I  am   not   ashamed   of,    altho.   it    may    be 


i  \ 


A, 


U.i. 


44 


CORRKSPONDRNCE: 


[lOl 


sealed ''Cordiality  and  kindaess  is  what  I  always  presume  on" 
feeling  as  tho.  I  deserve  it  from  the  hands  of  all  men  in-as-much 
as  they  deserve  it  from  me. 

The  though[t]  of  leaving  N.  England  ,'^>r7r/'  has  never  entered 
my  mind.  As  to  the  hazard  of  it  there  can  be  no  hazard  greater 
than  death  (in  my  crede)  and  that  all  must  meet  at  some  time 
and  if  there  were  I  should  not  much  regret  leaving  the  land  of 
religious  freedom  as  you  call  it  but  it  is  not  so  to  me  finding  in  it 
[Across  the  above  portion  of  the  copy  of  this  letter  is  written 
"continued  on  the  next  page."  Copies  of  letters  L.  and  LI.  are 
interposed  between  the  preceding  and  the  following  portions.] 
none  of  that  freedom  of  religious  opinion  of  which  you  speak,  by 
freedom  of  opinion  I  mean  the  exercise  and  iavowal  of  ones  ideas 
without  harm  accruing  therefrom.  Can  any  one  say  that  my  opin- 
ions have  been  exercised  in  freedom  and  that  no  harm  has  accrued 
to  me.  Can  one  any  assert  that  I  have  not  been  lowered  in  the 
estimation  of  my  fellows  thereby?  Yet  they  are  as  honest  opin- 
ions and  as  conscientiously  believed  in  and  perhaps  as  much  pains 
and  investigation  used  in  their  formation  as  in  those  ofmost  men. 
Have  I  not  been  told  that  those  who  believed  not  in  the  bible 
were  not  fit  to  be  argued  with  and  that  too  by  men  who  hold 
themselves  especially  called  to  preach  forth  the  religion  of  love 
and  charity  to  all  men.  Are  not  men  of  one  denomination  of  opin- 
ion avoided  in  all  the  relations  of  life  by  those  of  another  does 
not  the  orthodox  man  employ  the  orthodox  in  most  buisness  that 
he  may  have  the  disposal  of  does  not  the  temperance  society  man 
often  say  that  he  will  employ  none  but  his  own  class  whereby  damage 
accrues  to  the  other  and  for  merely  taking  the  liberty  to  exercise 
his  own  opinions.  And  yet  you  call  this  a  land  of  civil  and  re- 
ligious liberty.     I  repeat  I  have  not  found  it  such. 

I  doubt  not  brother  Perr^'  but  you  have  much  at  heart  my  wel- 
fare both  teviporal  and  eternal  a  difference  of  opinion  has  never 
in  me  created  any  hardness  of  opinion  toward  you  I  have  always 
thoughCl]  you  sincere  in  your  professions  and  have  respected  5'ou 
accordingly  as  one  who  being  convinced  that  he  was  in  the  right 
path  and  only  path  was  anxious  that  all  should  walk  therein  for 
their  good.  I  cannot  but  respect  such  disinterested  and  arduous 
exertions  for  the  good  of  others  altho.  I  think  them  mistaken.  I  do 
not  ridicule  nor  would  I  persecute  altho  I  do  not  believe  but  am 
willing  that  all  should  enjoy  their  own  opinions  and  am  convinced 
that  all  honest  opinions  will  be  tolerated  elsewhere  if  not — [Across 
the  copy  of  this  second  portion  of  the  letter  is  written  "continued 
on  the  3rd  following  page  frora  last  page. "  About  half  of  the  page 
designated  is  cut  out.  This  mutilation  of  the  lx)ok  was  caused  evi- 
dently by  the  desire  to  suppress  the  remainder  of  the  letter — at 
least  two  other  letters  were  sacrificed  as  the  two  following  remnants 
indicate:] 


I02] 


WYKTH'vS  OREGON   i:XPKI)ITH  WS. 


45 


Camp  Long  Island  Head  Boston  Harbor     V  arch  6th     [832 

Mr  K.  E.  Lansing  (New  York) 

Dear  vSir  "our  favor  of  2nd  inst  is 
at  hand  I  have  instructed  my  brother  of  the  firm  of  Cripps  &  Wyeth 
Pearl  St.  your  city — [Half  leaf  removed.] 

-advised  if  I  had  given  any  on  such  a  subject.  You  can  commu- 
nicate at  least  twice  a  year,  and  if  the  expedition  is  fortunate  you 
will  be  able  on  your  return  to  live  in  the  stile  you  like,  if  otherwise 
the  thing  will  be  abandoned  within  two  years  and  you  will  return 
just  as  well  off  as  you  are  now.  Please  consider  this  my  last  letter 
from  this  place.  I  am  yr  afte  Bro.     N.  J.  Wyeth 

[Copies  of  six  letters  at  least  were  inserted  between  2nd  and  3rd 
(which  is  missing)  portions  of  letter  XLIX.  This  indicates  un- 
unusual  deliberation  in  writing  that  letter  if  not  hesitation  in  copy- 
ing it  into  his  book. 

The  irregularity  in  the  order  of  appearance  of  the  letters  in  this 
part  of  the  book  is  most  likely  due  to  a.  failure  to  have  the  letter 
book  always  at  hand  in  passing  back  and  forth  between  Cambridge, 
Camp  Long  Island,  and  Boston.] 


-at 
Ints 


L. 

Boston     March  9th     1S32 
Brother  Leonard  (New  York) 

Enclosed  you  have  a  check  in  fav.  of 
Mess.  Davenport  and  Byron  for  450$  with  which  please  settle 
the  balance  due  the  above  gentlemen  of  525.79.  The  above  is  all 
the  money  that  I  can  spare  at  this  place.  The  surplus  you  will 
oblige  me  by  considering  as  in  part  of  what  I  am  allowed  to  draw 
on  you  for.  If  you  cannot  do  this  draw  on  me  in  Baltimore  and 
it  shall  be  refunded. 

I  am  &c     X.J.   Wyeth. 

,     LI. 

Boston     Marcii  9th,   1S32 
Mess.    Davenport  and  Byron(N  York) 

Gent  Your  fav.  of  3d  inst. 
is  but  just  received  and  is  ver\-  satisfactory.  Please  accept  my 
thanks  for  the  promptness  with  which  you  have  attended  to  this 
buisness. 

By  this  mail  I  have  made  remittance  to  Mr.  Leond.  I.  Wyeth 
of  the  firm  of  Mess.  Cripps  &  Wyeth  Pearl  St.  your  city  on 
whom  please  call  for  settlement.  I  go  hence  by  water  therefore 
cannot  have  the  pleasiire  of  seeing  you  in  N.  York  as  you  are  po- 
lite enough  to  hope. 

I  am  yr  obt  servt.     X.  J.  Wyeth. 


i^S 


46 


CORRKSPONDRNCK: 
UI. 


[103 


Cambridge     March  5th     1832 
Bro,  Leond.  (New  York) 

Mess.  Tucker  and  Williams  will  for- 
ward to  you  the  agreements  between  them,  Henry  Hall  and  my- 
self on  both  of  which  you  will  please  place  your  guarantee  for 
$1500  and  request  Charles  to  do  the  same  for  1000$  and  in  case 
he  is  not  in  your  city  send  them  to  him  to  execute  and  in  either 
case  have  one  returned  whence  it  came  and  the  other  sent  to  me 
at  Baltimore,  also  all  letters  of  credit  which  you  have  for  me  to 
arrive  there  from  the  17  th  to  the  20th  inst.  Please  take  a  copy 
for  your  own  satisfaction  and  request  Charles  to  do  the  same.  I 
shall  not  write  to  you  again  from  this  place  but  will  endeavour  to 
do  it  from  Baltimore  if  I  do  not  see  5'ou  there  which  if  buisness 
permits  would  gratify  me  much. 
All  well  here  and  in  haste. 

Yr  afte.  Bro.     N.  J.  W. 

Ull. 

Cambridge  March  6th  1832. 
Bro.  Leond  (N.  York) 

Your  fav.  of  3d  inst.  is  at  hand.  My  let- 
ter book  is  at  Long  Island  therefore  cannot  give  you  a  duplicate 
of  my  leiier  of  the  27th  inst.  I  think  it  contained  some  agree- 
ments between  myself  and  men  and  instructions  to  engage  15 
who  would  comply  with  the  same,  and  write  notes  to  all  those 
had  seen  you  on  the  subject.  This  letter  was  enveloped  in  a 
newspaper  covering  post  paid  to  the  care  of  your  firm.  Please 
on  the  receipt  of  this  write  notes  to  The.  Bache,  care  of  Mr. 
Swartwort  tne  collector  and  to  E.  E.  Lansing  care  of  Mess  Whit- 
ney and  Mc.Farlan  91  Maiden  Lane  stating  that  such  a  letter  has 
miscarried.  A  duplicate  I  will  send  to-morrow.  We  sail  in  the 
Bg.  Ida  for  Baltimore  on  the  loth  inst.  The  letter  to  E-*  E.  March 
is  received  for  which  I  thank  you. 

I  am  Yr  Afte  Bro      N.  J.  W. 

IJV. 

Camp  Long  Island  Head  Boston  Harbor  Mr.  5th   1832 
Mr  Theo.  Bache  (New  York) 

Dear  Sir 

Your  fav.  of  the  ist  inst.  is  at 
hand.  Our  camp  was  formed  at  this  place  on  the  ist  inst.  We 
sail  for  Baltimore  in  the  brig  Ida  on  the  10th  inst.  and  should  we 
have  a  good  passage  we  may  be  expected  to  arrive  in  that 
city  by  the  i8th  by  which    time   please  be  in  that  city. 

Ere  this  I  suppose  you  have  received  a  note  from  my  brother 
of  your  city  in  whose  possession  you  will  find  a  copy  of  the  con- 
tract to  l>e  signed  and  which  will  l)e  done  when  you  meet  us. 


I04] 


WVRTH'S    OREGON     RXPRDITIONvS. 


47 


The  letter  from  Mr.  Lansing  is  at  hand  and  is  answered  by  this 
mail.  I  am  &c  N.  J.  W. 

[Half  leaf  of  letter  book  is  here  cut  out.  This  mutilation  de- 
stroyed the  3rd  portion  of  letter  XLIX.  and  the  main  parts  of 
two  letters  remnants  of  which  are  given  in  connection  with  let- 
ter XUX.] 

LV. 

Boston    March  loth    1832 
Mr  John  Ball      X.  York 

Dear  vSir  This  is  to  inform  you  of  our 
sailing  this  day  in  the  Baltimore  Packett  Ida  and  to  request  you 
to  meet  us  at  Baltimore  as  soon  as  the  i8th  near  which  time  we 
may  be  expected  to  arrive  in  the  city.  When  there  enquire  of 
me  of  Mess.  Wyeth  &  Norris  Markett  St.  Baltimore. 

Yr  Obt  Servt  N.  J.  W 

lA'i. 

Boston  March  loth  1S32 
Mr.    John    Sinclair  (X.  York) 

Dear  Sir  This  is  to  inform  you 
of  our  sailing  this  day  in  the  Baltimore  Packett  Ida  and  to  re- 
quest you  to  meet  us  at  Baltimore  as  soon  as  the  i8th  near  which 
time  we  may  be  expected  to  arrive  in  that  city.  When  there  en- 
quire of  Mess  Wyeth  &  Norris  Market  St.  Baltimore  for  me. 

I  am  yr.  &c     N.  J.  Wyeth 

LVII. 

Bg.  Ida  at  Sea     March  15th  1832 
Bro.  Leonard  (New  York) 

Fearing  I  may  not  see  you  on  my  arri- 
val at  Baltimore  I  employ  my  leisure  in  writing  to  you.  I  have 
given  Mr  Brown  a  power  of  at[t]orney  to  act  in  my  behalf.  This 
I  did  because  he  is  on  the  spot  and  also  more  intimate  with  my 
affairs  than  any  other  person.  Another  reason  was  that  there  is 
a  bank  getting  up  in  Cambridge  of  which  he  cannot  fail  of  being 
a  director,  and  through  him  if  I  wish  I  shall  have  the  power  of 
raising  money  provided  I  make  him  sufficiently  intimate  with  my 
affairs.  If  successfuU  my  operations  will  require  a  large  sum  of 
money  and  a  bank  in  Camb.  will  be  the  one  to  raise  it  from  and 
by  placing  my  unavailable  property  at  his  disposal  it  may  be 
used  through  his  endorsement  at  a  bank  that  will  always  want  cusr 
tomers.  I  have  not  yet  made  up  my  mind  whom  I  shall  commis- 
sion to  examine  the  ace.  of  Mess.  Tucker  and  Williams  and  I 
think  I  shall  not  at  present  commission  any  one  to  do  it  inas- 
much as  nothing  will  be  required  until  the  shipments  are  made 
nor  do  I  know  that  any  examination  will  be  requisite  until  the  ex- 
piration of  five  years.  If  you  think  otherwise  and  are  willing  to  at- 


^H 


48 


COR  R  KSPOX  DKN'C  K: 


['"5 


tend  to  it  I  will  request  them  to  forward  their  accounts  to  you. 
I  shall  sand  you  certified  accounts  of  my  disbursements  in  liehalf 
of  the  Co.  These  are  available  according  to  the  agreement  as 
soon  as  the  amt.  can  be  spared  from  the  operations  of  the  concern 
without  interest,  as  also  all  private  loans  to  the  different  members 
on  account  of  their  outfits  and  traveling  expenses  and  notes  or 
due  bills  for  the  latter  I  will  forward  you  from  St.  Louis  or  PVank- 
lin  in  order  that  I  may  send  3'ou  all  aL  once.  As  to  the  commis- 
sions of  this  buisnass  they  are  all  mortgaged  for  the  5  years  and 
must  go  to  Tucker  and  Williams.  I  should  have  been  l)etter 
pleased  to  have  kept  them  at  my  own  disposal  but  I  could  not  do 
it  and  perhaps  during  the  5  years  it  would  be  no  object.  I  have 
obtained  letters  from  J.  Baker  and  Son  vhich  will  enable  me  to 
send  home  goods  and  information  by  their  vessells  also  to  pur- 
chase any  surplus  goods  that  their  vessells  may  have  when  leav- 
ing that  coast.  This  may  be  an  advantage  to  both  saving  them 
the  loss  of  carrying  home  a  few  useless  goods  and  enabling  me  to 
purchase  what  I  want  without  paying  freight.  Thej'  also  if  they 
continue  the  salmon  [trade]  wish  to  make  arrangement  with 
me  to  put  up  their  cargoes  which  I  may  do  provided  it  does  not 
interfere  with  my  own  trade  in  this  article.  I  like  the  men  much 
and  if  it  lays  in  my  way  to  do  them  a  favor  it  certainly  will  be 
done.  Letters  will  reach  me  through  Tucker  and  Williams  Bos- 
ton and  I  enjoin  upon  you  to  write  me  as  often  as  you  have  an 
opportunity  and  you  may  rest  assured  that  I  will  do  the  same . 
My  journal  I  shall  send  one  copy  to  Mr.  Brown  and  one  to 
you  and  Charles  jointly.  These  you  must  preserve  with  care  as 
it  will  be  intended  for  publication  if  on  finishing  it  is  found 
worth  it,  and  as  the  character  of  the  expedition  will  depend  much 
on  this  care  must  be  used  that  it  be  not  lost  or  divulged,  as  pub- 
lication would  destroy  one  half  of  its  value  and  it  may  be  that  I 
would  not  wish  all  the  facts  of  the  trade  divulged  before  I  have 
done  with  it. 

As  I  am  leaving  all  reasonable  vicinity  I  must  bid  adieu 
to  all  my  friends  among  w^hich  I  number  your  good  wife. 
Say  to  her  that  her  life  has  been  checkered  with  heav3'  afflictions 
but  still  there  have  been  other  misfortunes  more  difficult  to  bear, 
that  there  is  comfort  in  some  sorts  of  affliction  but  in  others  there 
is  naught  but  bitterness  and  that  as  we  advance  in  life  we  are 
gradually  weaned  from  our  love  of  life  until  we  pass  naturally 
from  this  to  another  existence  and  that  death  which  in  early  life 
we  dread  so  much  I  doubt  not  may  come  a  welcome  visitor  to 
the  weary  and  worn  in  misfortune  and  to  those  whose  dearest 
treasures  have  gone  before  them.  Say  to  the  little  girls  that 
their  uncle  Mat  has  gone  far  from  them  but  that  in  the  wilder- 
ness he  stil[l]  remembers  them  while  probably  in  a  few  months  he 
will  be  forgotten,  all   but   the   name  b}'  them  and  this  I  have  no 


io6] 


WYRTH'vS  OREGON  RXPRDITIONvS. 


49 


doubt  you  will  keep  in  their  miuds,  life  is  too  full  of  pleasures  for 
them  to  remember  their  distant  friends  long. 

My  health  is  pretty  good  and  hope  and  excitement  has  made 
another  man  of  me.  I  am  determined  to  give  up  no  more  to 
melancholy  feelings  but  rouse  myself  up  to  exertion  and  enter- 
prise and  forget  the  things  that  have  been  and  all  but  what  is  be- 
fore me.  If  I  am  successful  there  will  be  some  comfort  in  it  if 
otherwise  I  will  have  some  serious  and  present  misfortunes  t- 
keep  me  from  brooding  over  more  distant  and  metaphysical  ones. 
If  I  fail  in  my  enterprise  it  will  be  an  undertaking  that  few  men 
could  even  look  at  if  successful  it  will  be  fame  and  wealth  enough 
to  keep  me  on  a  par  and  in  standing  with  the  best  other  circum- 
stances to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.  The  present  which  Mr. 
Tudor  made  me  on  settlement  is  as  fair  an  offset  to  Mr.  J.  .  .  con- 
duct that  in  a  civil  way  he  shall  know  it,  it  is  too  good  an  enco- 
mium on  my  character  to  keep  from  him.  You  need  not  be 
alarmed  for  my  temper,  for  I  will  keep  the  advantage  of  coolness 
over  him  and  he  shall  find  that  I  have  more  patience  than  he  im- 
agined and  too  much  pride  to  shew  that  he  can  hurt  my  feelings 
even  if  it  is  really  the  case.  I  expect  a  little  spleen  from  him  but 
he  shall  keep  it  all  to  himself  he  shall  not  infect  me  with  it,  it 
would  gratify  him  too  much. 

I  left  our  parents  all  well  and  also  the  other  member:-*  of  the 
family  some  scolding  and  some  crying,  and  both  to  equally  little 
purpose,  altho  thej'   have  their  effect   and  show  who  values  us. 

I  am  &c    N.  J.  W. 

P.  S.  Baltimore    March  24th     1832 

I  arrived  here  on  the  23d  inst.  and  received  your  fav.  of 
the  1 5th  enclosing  a  letter  to  Tiffany  Shaw  &  Co.  and  check  for 
424.21  which  is  ver^'  tim'^ly,  as  Charley  had  even  forgot  to  for- 
ward Mortons  note  which  he  had  been  twice  directed  to  do.  I 
shall  leave  this  on  Tuesday  and  shall  wish  to  receive  an  answer 
to  this  at  Pitsburg. 

I^VIII. 


ly 

ife 
to 

iSt 


he 
no 


Baltimore  March  24th  1832 
Judah  Touro  Esq.  (N.  Orleans) 

Dear  Sir  J  write  to  apprise  you  that  on  my  arrival  at  this 
place  on  my  way  out  to  the  Columbia  River  I  found  that  my 
brother  Mr  C.  Wyeth  had  neglected  to  forward  to  you  the  note 
against  Morton  Brown  &  Co.  referred  to  in  my  letter  of  the  7  th  of 
Feb.  last.  The  note  will  be  disposed  of  here  or  left  behind  or 
sent  to  you,  in  the  last  of  which  cases  please  look  for  advices  to 
Mr.  C.  Wyeth. 

Please  excuse  my  troubling  vou  in  this  matter. 

I  am  &c  X.  J.  W. 


!  i 


50 


COR  R  K«rON  dp;  N'C  v.: 
UK. 


[107 


Haltimore     March  24th     1832 
Mr.  H.  J.  Kelley  (Washington  City) 

Dear  Sir  I  arr]i]ved  here  on 
the  23d  at  midnight  and  have  received  your  favor  of  same  day. 
I  will  take  charge  of  any  of  the  emigrants  who  will  defray  their 
own  expenses  at  any  part  of  the  route  provided  no  delay  will  be 
occasioned  to  my  party.  I  leave  this  on  Tuesday  next  for  Pits- 
burg  and  should  be  pleased  to  receive  from  you  a  copy  of  the  map 
referred  to  in  your  letter. 

N.  J.  W. 
LX. 

Baltimore  March  24th  1832 
Mr  Jas  Brown  (Cambridge) 

Dear  Sir  I  arrived  here  on  the  23d 
inst.  after  a  severe  passage.  Please  fix  in  your  mind  some  means 
of  mortgaging  my  house  for  about  $800 —  and  pledging  the  note 
of  F.  Tudor  for  its  amt.  in  order  that  when  drawn  as  I  possibly 
may  you  may  not  be  put  to  inconvenience.  I  shall  be  obliged  to 
draw  at  short  sight  if  at  all,  on  ace.  of  the  scarcity  of  money  at 
the  West.  If  you  feel  able  to  do  it,  forward  to  Leond.  I.  Wyeth 
another  letter  similar  in  tenor  to  the  first, allowing  him  to  draw  at 
what  sight  you  are  able  and  for  what  further  amt. you  think  your- 
self safe  in  doing.  I  hope  and  think  that  I  shall  [not]  call  for  more 
than  |200  but  wish  to  be  on  the  safe  side.  On  board  the  Brig 
Ida  you  will  find  a  bundle  of  nine  Buffaloes  which  are  I.  Reads 
please  pay  freight  and  hand  them  to  him  and  pay  the  damage 
and  give  him  ray  thanks. 

Give  my  love  to  your  good  wife  and  boys. 

Vr  friend     N.  J.  W. 

LXI. 

Brownsville    April  6th     1832 
Brother  Charles  (Baltimore) 

I  write  to  apprise  you  that  I  shall  have 
to  draw  on  you  in  accordance  with  your  letter  of  Cr.  given  me 
by  Mr.  Norris  for  300$  from  Wheeling  and  in  case  I  should  not 
be  able  to  dispose  of  such  draft  I  shall  from  that  place  request 
you  to  forward  me  a  Branch  Check  for  the  same.  I  write  this 
knowing  the  state  of  the  money  markett  and  in  order  that  you 
may  be  prepared. 

N.  J.  Wyeth. 

hXll. 

Pitsburg     April  8th     1832 
Bro.  Leonard  (New  York) 

Your  fav.  of  28th  ulto.  is  at  hand.  I 
shall  in  case  I  fail  to  obtain  money  on  a  letter  of  Cr.  from  Charles 


TOBI 


WVKTH'vS  ORKflON  KXPHDITIONS. 


51 


lor  300$  draw  on  you  for  the  1 100  provided  I  want  so  much  and 
if  1  want  more  I  shall  presume  to  draw  on  you  for  the  full  amt. 
of  1300  and  presume  that  Charles  will  meet  the  same.as  I  relieved 
him  from  doing  so  at  Baltimore,  and  Mr.  Brown  can  certainly 
avail  himself  of  sufficient  from  my  property  in  his  hands  to  meet 
any  thing  that  I  will  draw. 

Jacob  says  his  trunk  is  worth  $100  you  may  therefore  calcu- 
late it  $25.  It  can  be  of  no  importance  to  me  nor  do  I  believe  to 
himself.  Leave  this  morning  direct  for  St.  Louis.  I  will  re- 
quest Jacob  to  write  to  you. 

There  is  a  balance  of  a  draft  of  Jacobs  for  150$  with  father's 
endorsement  thereon  in  my  favor  on  Charles,  and  this  amt.  I  shall 
not  use  and  from  this  you  can  reimburse  yourself  if  you  deem  ad- 
visable and  I  will  retain  the  draft  for  your  advantage.  As  Charles 
has  seen  it  he  cannot  refuse  to  pay  it.  The  draft  is  for  600$  and 
is  in  my  hands.  $450  was  consumed  by  a  little  cash  and  the 
letter  of  credit  above  referred  to.  I  will  send  it  to  you  on  Charles 
if  you  direct  me  so  to  do,  at  St.  Louis  where  I  wish  to  receive  an 
answer  to  this. 

N.  J.  W. 

hxiu. 

Pitsburg     April  8th     1832 
Bro.  Charles  (Baltimore) 

Being  Sunday  cannot  sell  a  draft  on  you. 
Please  pay  the  amt.  of  your  letter  of  Cr.  to  Leond.  L  Wyeth  and 
oblige  Yr  Afte  Bro     X.  J.  Wyeth. 

LXIV. 

Pitsburg     April  8th     1832 

Mr  H.  J.  Kelley  (Washington) 

Dear  Sir  Your  fav.  of  29th  ulto.  is 
at  hand.  I  will  in  conformity  with  my  first  assurance  given  in 
my  letter  of  23d  ulto.  take  charge  of  ten  of  your  emigrants. 
Any  further  arrangement  must  be  with  the  persons  who  are 
disposed  to  go  out.  My  reason  for  this  is  that  I  am  bound 
by  my  engagements  to  my  Company  and  must  consult  them  in 
regard  to  any  arrangements  on  the  subject  but  you  need  not  by 
this  understand  me  positively  to  refuse  it  as  I  do  not  know  how 
the  Co.  will  be  disposed  to  act. 

I  shall  at  all  times  be  disposed  to  further  an  emigration  to  the 
Columbia  as  far  as  I  deem,  on  actual  knowledge  of  the  country', 
that  it  will  be  for  the  advantage  of  the  emigrants,  but  before  I 
am  better  acquainted  with  the  facts  I  will  not  lend  my  aid  in  in- 
ducing ignorant  persons  to  render  their  scituation  worse  rather 
than  better. 

fNo  signature.] 


sa 


CORK  I'lSPON  DKNC  K; 


[109 


I.XV. 

Citiciimti     April  loth     1S32 
T^eotid.  Jarvis  Ksq.  (Baltimore) 

Dear  Sir  Your  fav.  of  the  5th 
inst.  came  safe  to  hand,  enclosing  the  very  acceptable  letters  to 
Mess  Pilcher  &  Sanford,  also  authority  to  draw  on  you  for  $500 
if  my  necessitys  required  and  if  such  happens  to  be  the  case  I  shall 
advise  you  of  it.  You  have  my  thanks  for  the  kindness  and 
you — 

LXVI. 

[Letter  LXV  breaks  off  abruptly.  Letter  LXVL  opens  with- 
out date  or  superscription.  As  they  appear  on  pages  numbered 
as  consecutive  the  inference  would  be  that  occasion  suddenly 
arose  to  pack  the  letter  lx)ok  at  Cincinnati  and  not  again  use  it 
until  Ft.  Vancouver  was  reached.  The  words  "Probably  to  F. 
Tudor  F)sq."  are  in  Mr.  Wyeth's  hand.] 

Probably  to  F.  Tudor  Ksq, 

On  the  4th  of  Jany  inst. the  wind  vered  to  the  N.E.and  immedi- 
ately the  weather  which  to  that  time  had  l)een  rainy  and  warm 
set  in  clear  and  cold,  li1  ■  that  you  have  when  the  wind  is  N. 
W.but  not  so  cold,  the  ler.  var>'ing  from  ladeg.to  zodeg.  above 
zero.  The  Coluribia  as  near  as  I  can  find  freezes  up  about  half 
the  years.  Last  winter  and  this  it  has  frozen.  The  ice  when  it 
freezes  smooth  is  good.  It  is  now  about  6  inches,  but  the  sur- 
face is  a  complete  chaos,  but  as  this  trade  will  not  soon  thrive  in 
this  quarter  it  ceases  to  be  a  subject  of  interest. 

In  an  agricultural  view  there  are  many  advantages  in  this 
country  the  most  prominent  of  which  is  that  the  opemtion  of 
plowing  need  never  be  suspended  more  than  one  month,  and 
one  half  of  the  years  not  at  all,  (thereby  giving  much  more 
time  for  the  farmer's  work,)  and  the  facility  of  feeding  stock  in 
winter  for  the  snow  seldom  falls  here  and  the  horses  and  cattle 
feed  out  all  the  ^'ear.  When  the  wind  comes  from  the  land  it  is 
cool  and  drj',  wnen  from  the  ocean  it  rains  incessantly.  There 
appears  to  me  to  be  but  a  small  proportion  of  the  countrj'  fit  for 
cultivation.  Near  the  sea  the  country  is  mountainous  and  rough 
so  much  so  that  I  believe  9-10  of  the  land  could  not  be 
ploughed.  Farther  in  the  interior  the  nights  are  frosty  all  sum- 
mer the  earth  excessively  barren  producing  but  a  scanty  portion 
of  very  nutritive  grass,  and  I  presume  there  are  few  parts  of  the 
earth  where  less  moisture  is  found  than  in  the  interior  of  this 
country.  The  best  part  of  this  country  that  I  have  seen  is  on 
the  Wallemet  but  I  am  informed  that  there  is  a  good  section  of 
country  near  Pugets  Sound  and  on  the  Cowliskie  River.  On  the 
Columbia  itself  there  is  little  or  no  valuable  land.  Of  the  Sal- 
mon and  Fur  buisness  I  can  inform  you  nothing  as  no  buisness 
letters  can  go  out  of  this  country   by   this  conveyance.     When  I 


lio] 


WM.TH'S    ORKC.ON     IvXPRDFTlONS. 


53 


arrived  at  the  British  posts  my  men  what  were  then  left  being 
determined  to  wander  no  more  I  was  left  to  ray scxf  in  this  di- 
lemma. I  was  invited  by  Dr  J.  McOlancland  (C.ov.  in  l)ehalf  of 
the  H.  H.  Co.  in  this  conntr>')  to  make  this  post  ray  habitation 
until  I  returned.  I  have  l>een  treated  in  the  most  hospitable  and 
kind  manner  by  all  the  gentlemen  of  this  country.  There  are 
far  lore  of  the  comforts  of  life  enjoyed  here  by  tlie  residents 
than  is  imagined  in  the  states. 

Resi)ectfully  yr.  obt.  vServt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

I.XVII. 

Fort  V'anoouver    Jany  i6th     1H33 
iJear  Parents  (Camli) 

After  much  delay  and  somt>  difficulty  in  the 
shape  of  long  marches  on  fwn  I  am  at  last  here  a  .d  now  am  as 
much  in  haste  to  get  back  again.  From  hunger  1  have  suffered 
not  much.  This  climate  proves  to  be  warm  and  agreeable  but  in 
winter  rather  too  much  rain.  You  may  expect  me  home  in 
October  next. 

Jacob  could  go  no  farther  than  the  mountains.  His  heart 
looked  back  10  the  thingK  of  home  and  he  could  not  see  the  re- 
turn convoy  depart  alone.  Livermore  deserted  me  twelve  days 
out  from  the  settlements.  Both  are  I  hope  safe  with  their  friends 
but  the  latter  behaved  very*  dishonorably.  I  do  not  write  much 
at  the  present  as  I  hope  to  be  so  soon  with  you  beside  I  cannot 
by  this  conveyance  touch  on  matters  of  buisness  all  I  can  say  is 
that  the  first  of  it  looks  bad  enough.  If  I  should  be  longer  in  re- 
turning than  above  stated  do  not  be  alarmed  for  in  the  way 
I  shall  travell  there  is  no  danger  except  of  my  health  and  that  is 
now  pretty  good.  My  party  have  now  all  left  me  and  I  have 
hired  two  men  who  are  to  return  with  me.  I  have  in  time  of 
need  found  (i!i  this  land  of  strangers)  kind  friends  who  have  alle- 
viated all  my  sufferings  with  the  exception  of  that  one  which 
arises  from  a  consciousness  that  I  shall  nt  er  be  able  to  repay  to 
them  those  civilities  that  I  have  received  but  I  am  sure  that  the 
opportunity  of  assisting  me  has  afforded  them  pleasure.  You 
can  have  but  little  idea  how  much  men  improve  in  some  points  of 
character  in  scituations  like  these.  If  olite  carriage  and 
shrewd  intellect  are  best  acquired  in  mote  p  »pulous  parts  of  the 
earth,  generous  feelings  are  fostered  by  the  wilds,  and  amid  sav- 
agt  s  the  civilized  man  seems  to  uphold  his  character  better  than 
among  his  fellows.  Yr.  afte  son,     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

L,XVIII. 

I'ort  Vancouver     Jany  i6th     [833 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  (Boston) 

Gent     I   am   not   at  liberty  In' 
this  conveyance  to  send  you  any  information  touching  matters  of 


84 


CORRKSPONDKNCR: 


[HI 


ii^! 


buisiiess.  I  cati  say  to  you  nothing  farther  than  that  no  orders 
will  come  to  you  from  me  at  present.  My  parly  have  ;ill  left  me 
and  I  am  about  returning  across  the  mountains  with  two  men 
that  I  have  hired  for  the  purpose.  The  small  amt.  of  goods 
which  I  took  with  me  are  deposited  in  the  interior  as  well  as 
some  furs.  Of  these  I  shall  endeavor  to  avail  myself  on  my  re- 
turn route  but  their  value  is  not  sufficient  to  tit  out  a  sufficient 
party  expressly  for  them  and  unless  I  meet  a  party  going  very 
near  my  deposits  I  shall  dispose  of  them  or  leave  them  as  may 
happen.  Perhaps  so  much  as  the  above  may  be  allowed  to  pass 
by  this  conveyance.  We  have  not  suffered  much  owing  to  the 
politeness  and  attention  which  I  have  received  from  the  Traders 
of  this  country  both  English  and  American.  They  have  always 
given  me  all  the  information  and  assistance  in  their  power. 
I  am  Yr.  Obt.  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

hXlX. 

Fort  Vancouver    Jany  i6th     1S33 
Brother  Leond. 

I  write  you  this  which  will  reach  you  near  the 
same  time  as  myself  provided  I  meet  with  no  accident,  but  write 
for  fear  that  this  should  be  the  case.  My  route  will  be  across  the 
land  to  about  hatt  43  deg.  in  the  Rocky  Mountains  and  so  down 
the  Platte  to  the  Missouri.  This  letter  will  reach  you  by  the  fa- 
vor of  the  H.  B.  Co.  to  whose  agents  in  this  quarter  I  am  much 
indebted  for  assistance  and  information  but  for  obvious  reasons 
I  cannot  touch  upon  matters  of  buisness  in  a  letter  conveyed  by 
them  further  than  to  say  that  I  shall  draw  on  you  or  Charles  for 
a  very  small  amt.  due  them  for  supplies  and  please  consider  this 
as  notice  for  the  same.  My  journey  hither  has  been  attended 
with  much  less  difficulty  than  I  expected  but  it  appears  the  hard- 
ships of  the  undertaking  are  much  greater  than  those  with  me 
anticipated  as  they  have  as  they  fell  in  with  chances  deserted,  so 
that  I  now  have  but  two  men  whom  I  have  hired  to  go  back  with 
me.  I  think  I  may  reach  home  in  Oct.  or  Nov.  next  but  it  need  oc- 
casion no  alarm  if  I  am  detained  a  year  longer.  My  object  in  re- 
turning by  a  different  route  from  that  by  which  this  will  reach 
you  is  to  avail  myself  of  some  deposits  of  valuables  which  I  have 
in  the  mountains.  If  I  am  so  unfortunate  as  to  meet  no  Amer- 
ican party  going  to  the  states  I  will  not  be  able  to  come  for  it  is 
too  dangerous  to  cross  the  mountains  with  but  three  men  and 
those  not  the  best  for  such  a  purpose.  My  health  is  pretty  good 
and  I  enjoy  myself  as  well  as  I  can  while  dependent  on  the  hos- 
pitality of  others.  I  make  this  letter  short  expecting  soon  to  be 
with  you. 

You  will  give  my  respects  to  j'our  good   wife   and   love  to  the 
little  nieces.     Mv  respects  also  to  Mr  Osgood. 

Yr.  afte.  Bro.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 


113] 


ir- 
is 


VVVKTirS    ORKC.ON     KXPHDITIONJi. 
LXX. 


55 


he 


Port  Vancouver    Jany  i6th     1H33 
Brother  Charles  i Baltimore,' 

This  will  l)e.  short  and  I  hope  sweet. 
It  comes  to  you  by  the  politeness  of  the  Hudsons  Bay  Co.  and  as 
a  matter  ol  consequeiiC2  cannot  contain  matters  of  buisness. 
From  the  agents  of  this  Co.  I  have  received  all  manner  of  atten- 
tion and  assistance  rendered  in  such  a  way  as  to  make  it  palat- 
able. I  expect  to  be  with  you  about  the  time  that  you  receive 
this  but  if  I  should  be  a  year  later  do  not  l)e  alarmed  for  it  is  en- 
tirely a  chance  if  I  meet  with  an  American  party  in  the  upper 
country  and  if  I  do  not,  I  must  remain  on  this  side  of  the  Mts.  I 
have  now  with  me  two  hired  men  only,  all  my  party  having  left 
me,  and  with  only  three  men  I  will  not  undertake  to  cross  the 
mountains  beside  when  I  am  in  a  country  where  I  can  get  horses 
to  ride,  BuflFaloe  to  eat,  and  Deer  skin  to  wear  I  am  as  well  off  as 
I  can  Ije  anywhere  and  if  I  make  no  money,  I  shall  loose  none  and 
so  much  of  life  will  be  gone,  all  the  trouble  of  life  will  be  all  the 
same  a  hundred  years  hence.  From  the  Hudsons  Bay  Co.  I  have 
drawn  some  supplies  and  for  these  I  shall  draw  a  small  draft  on 
you  or  lycond.  and  please  receive  this  advise  of  the  same.  Our 
journey  out  was  attended  with  few  of  the  difficulties  anticipated  as 
also  with  less  of  the  romance  and  adventure.  I  expect  soon 
to  be  with  you  and  therefore  do  not  write  so  much  in  full  as 
otherwise  I  would.  Please  present  my  best  respects  to  your  good 
lady  and  to  the  little  nephews.  My  name  sake  is  by  this  time  a 
famous  fellow  and  I  hope  he  is  as  much  like  him  he  is  named  for, 
as  little  Charlev,  that  is  much  more  quiet  and  tractable  than  the 
latter.  '  Yr.  Afte.  Bror     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 

LXXI. 

Fort  Vancouver    Jany  i6th     1833 
Ifir  n<\ .  J  ari'i ■     '".sq.  ( Baltimore) 

Dear  Uncle  I  write  j'ou,  because  it 
would  be  unpardonably  in  me  not  to  do  so  whenever  I  have  an 
opportunity  rather  than  because  I  have  much  to  communicate. 
Matters  of  buisness  cannot  pass  by  this  conveyance  which  is 
through  the  Hudsons  Bay  Co.  I  am  about  returning  to  the  states 
by  the  same  route  by  which  I  came  which  I  do  to  obtain  some  de- 
posits of  valuables  which  for  want  of  horses  I  left  in  the  interior. 
In  this  I  shall  probably  fail  but  the  chance  is  worth  trying  for. 
In  case  I  am  successful!  I  may  arrive  in  your  city  about  Oct. 
next  but  if  any  disappointment  occurs  in  meeting  some  Amer- 
ican party  I  may  be  a  year  later.  My  party  have  all  followed 
suite — 


^^ 


56 


CORRKSPONDENCK: 


[113 


[The  removal  of  a  leaf  from  the  letter  book  at  this  point  makes 
the  copies  of  letters  LXXI  and  LXXII  fragmentary  anc'  prob- 
ably caused  the  entire  loss  of  several  other  letters.] 

LXXII. 

— the  Bg  Sultana  lx)und  to  the  Columbia  owned  by  Joseph 
Baker  and  Son  to  the  master  and  supercargo  of  whicft  I  had  let- 
ters of  Cr.  to  enable  me  to  take  any  supplies  from  her  that  were 
wanted  at  certain  regulated  prices  settled  in  Boston  6th  [a]s 
to  abandoning  the  enterprise  it  was  by  their  desire  to  a  man.  If 
the  above  does  not  justify  me  from  all  reproach  except  ignorance 
I  must  bear  it  but  at  the  same  time  with  a  conscidi'.sness  of  not 
deserving  it. 

The  enclosed  proposition  I  have  forwarded  to  the  Gov.  through 
Mr  Herron  by  whom  I  was  induced  to  make  it.  While  with  you 
I  had  no  idea  that  any  arrangement  of  the  kind  could  be  made 
otherwise  should  have  handed  it  to  you.  I  do  not  ask  you  to 
put  in  a  good  word  for  me  because  I  know  you  will  d'  it  if  con- 
sistent with  your  judgment  and  not  otherwise.  If  you  remain  in 
the  country  I  shall  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  again  as  I  am 
determined,  at  the  present  moment,  to  revisit  it  and  eisdeavor  to 
improve  by  past  experience.  Of  this  letter  you  are  at  liberty  to 
make  what  use  you  think  proper.  It  is  intended  to  meet  any  strict- 
ures that  may  be  made  on  my  conduct  (for  where  there  has  been 
suffering  there  is  usually  crimination)  and  to  explain  anything 
that  to  anyone  may  appear  misterious.  I  cannot  close  this  with- 
out expressing  to  you  how  much  I  am  indebted  to  Mr.  Pam- 
brun  Mr.  Herron  and  Mr.  Hermatinger  for  the  attention  they 
have  shown  me. 

Should  any  American  vessell  come  to  the  Columbia  there  will 
probably  be  on  board  and  I  think  to  be  delivered  to  any  British 
post  «ome  articles  for  me.  The  order  which  I  gave  if  I  recollect 
right  comprised  Books,  seeds  and  clothing.  Should  such  come  to 
hand  the  seed  you  will  consider  for  the  benefit  of  the  Country', 
and  should  be  used  to  prevent  loss.  Books  you  will  take  for 
yourself  and  all  other  articles  after  one  year  from  receipt  if  not 
otherwise  ordered  sell  for  the  benefit  of  such  persons  as  you  deem 
most  worthy  of  it.  Will  you  allow  me  the  priviledge  of  writing 
you  from  home.  N  J  Wyeth 

IvXXlII. 


Inclosing  copy  of  proposal  contained  in  next  letter. 

Fort  Colville     March  12th 


Sir 


1833 


I  am  induced  by  gentlemen  in  this  country  to  suppose  that  you 
would  enter  into  some  arrangement  for  a  supply  of  goods  and 
therefore  send  the  enclosed  proposal.  I  left  the  Boston  in  March 
last  with  32  men  with    the   intention  of  forming  on  the  Columbia 


BHilii 


ii4l 


WYRTH'vS  ORKOOX  KXPHDli'IONS. 


57 


or  south  of  it  [a  post]  for  collecting  furs  and  salmon  to  be  sent  to 
the  States  by  vessells  ordered  therefrom  such  vessells  to  bring  out 
the  goods  required  for  the  trade.  My  plan  was  based  on  the  fol- 
lowing grounds  viz.  that  Salmon  (worth  in  the  States  i6$  per 
Bbl.  of  30  gallons)  would  pay  all  the  expenses  that  goods  intro- 
duced by  this  route  would  be  entitled  to  the  drawback  and  this 
would  be  ii  consideration  as  they  are  nearly  all  foreign  to  the 
States  and  being  coarse  pay  a  heavy  duty,  that  the  saving  made  in  the 
purchase  of  horses  here  instead  of  at  St, Louis  is  at  least  25$  per 
head, that  the  danger  of  transporting  this  side  of  the  mountains  is 
infinitely  less  than  on  the  other  and  the  distance  to  the  Fur 
country  much  less.  In  the  first  part  of  said  undertaking  I  have 
completely  failed.  All  my  men  have  left  me  and  what  goods  and 
valuables  I  had  with  me  have  been  expended  or  deposited  where 
they  will  probably  be  lost  to  me.  I  am  now  on  my  return  to  the 
States  for  the  purpose  of  forming  new  arrangements  to  carr^-  my 
original  plan  into  execution.  In  case  I  make  no  arrangement 
with  the  Co.  I  shall  if  I  arrive  in  Bosl  >n  by  the  1st  Nov.  next 
come  to  the  Columbia  the  following  summer,  if  I  arrive  later  I 
shall  be  delayed  until  the  next. 

It  appears  to  me  that  as  an  American  I  posses  some  advantage 
that  an  Englishman  would  not  inasmuch  as  I  can  visit  parts 
of  the  country  from  which  he  is  excluded  and  still  not  so  remote 
in  point  of  distance  difficulty  or  expense  as  from  St.  Louis. 

I  have  already  lof  t  largely  from  a  capital  at  first  small  and  am  there- 
fore desirous  to  proceed  on  a  more  secure  plan  even  if  it  should  offer 
less  prospect  of  profit.  I  have  to  observe  that  in  case  of  agree- 
ment being  made  I  will  give  surety  satisfactory  to  the  Co.  for  ful- 
filling an)'  part  of  the  same  or  if  required  will  deposit  in  their 
hands  a  sufficient  sum  for  the  same  purpose.  The  only  objection 
to  the  latter  would  be  the  diff*erence  in  the  rate  of  interest  in  the 
states  and  with  you. 

In  case  of  an  agreement  for  supply  of  goods  the  supply  of  men 
would  still  be  a  consideration.  If  men  could  come  to  this  side  of 
the  Ry.  Mts.  as  early  as  July  a  fall  hunt  might  be  made  which  is 
ail  that  can  be  done  from  St.  Louis.  Canadians  are  to  be  had 
cheaper  than  Americans  and  are  for  some  purposes  better  men. 
Their  conveyance  would  not  be  so  expensive  as  horses  would  be 
saved  which  cost  30$  at  vSt. Louis  and  tb<i  same  set  of  anima's  are 
fit  for  a  full  hunt.  I  would  not  wish  iiore  than  i.s  Canadians. 
These  might  be  procured  by  myself  or  agent  or  furnished  me 
by  the  Co.  as  they  might  elect  and  the  residue  of  the  men  re- 
quired might  be  procured  in  the  Mts.  without  the  expense  of 
bringing  them  into  the  country  or  learning  them  the  ways  of  it. 
If  no  political  dificulty  exists  there  must  be  some  advantage  in  us- 
ing a  few  Canadians.  Should  you  deem  it  for  the  interest  of  the 
Co.  to  close  with  me  ati  agreement  not  essentially  different 
from  the  enclosed   proposal    you   would   much  oblige  me  by  for- 


S8 


COR  RKSPON  DHNC  Fv: 


It' 


warding  to  ray  address  care  of  Mess.  Jarvis  &  Brown  Merchants 
Baltimore  Marj'^land  a  contract  to  the  purpose  which  I  will  exe- 
cute and  immediately  proceed  to  fulfill.  I  request  this  mode  of 
proceedure  because  I  will  have  but  one  month  after  my  arrival  at 
Boston  to  prepare  for  a  voyage  to  the  Columbia,  in  case  of  fail- 
ure of  this  negotiation  with  the  Co. 
To  (ieo  Simson  Ksq  (^ov.  H.  B.  C.     York  Factory 

Yrs  &c     N  J  W 

Copy  of  the  proposal  enclosed  in  the  two  foregoing  letters. 

.St  The  Hon.  H.B.  C.  to  furnish  at  their  store  at  Vancouver  to 
N.J  .\V.  such  goods  as  he  may  select  at  the  same  rate  that  the 
clerk-:  of  the  said  Co  pay  for  the  goods  supplied  them  viz  50  pr  ct 
on  their  original  cost 

2d  The  said  Co  to  lay  no  obstruction  in  the  way  of  the  said 
Wyeths  trading  at  any  post  or  place  for  provisions  or  animals  to 
be  iised  in  his  buisness  or  to  his  trading  furs  anywhere  south  of 
the  Columbia  and  not  within  a  100  miles  of  their  posts  and  gen- 
erally in  matters  indifferent  to  their  interest  to  forward  his  views 
and  operations  and  to  give  him  such  information  as  may  l)e  in 
their  power  and  not  inconsistent  with  their  immediate  interest 

3d  The  said  Co  to  Cr  the  ace.  of  said  Wyeth  at  the  rate  of  $5 
for  full  Beavers  and  in  proportion  for  kittens  and  yearlings  and  for 
all  other  furs  and  skins  usually  secured  by  the  said  Co.  as  mer- 
chandise at  the  same  prop,  to  their  markett  value  in  London  or 
wherever  that  Co.  dispose  of  their  furs  as  5$  is  to  the  markett 
value  of  the  Beaver  skin. 

4th  The  said  Wyeth  to  deliver  all  Furs  and  skins  of  every  de- 
scription of  which  he  may  get  possession  to  the  Co. 

5th  Said  Wyeth  to  continue  the  arrangement  for  five  years 
and  in  case  of  his  not  doing  so  to  be  bound  not  to  do  a  Fur  buis- 
ness in  any  countr>'  to  which  the  H.  B.  Co.  have  access. 

6th  In  ca.se  said  Wyeth  faithfully  performs  this  said  agreement, 
then  the  H.  B.  Co.  at  the  end  of  the  time  agreed  on  is  to  pay  over 
to  him  any  balance  that  may  be  due  him  in  cash  or  goods  as  the 
said  W.  may  elect  and  at  all  times  he  is  entitled  to  claim  from 
them  in  cash  any  balance  which  may  be  due  him  over  a  '  above 
$1000. 

LXXIV. 

To  Captain  Bonneville  of  Salmon  River    June  22d     18^3. 
Sir 

I  send  you  the  following  proposition  for  a  mutual  hunt  in  the 
country  south  of  the  Columbia  river  which  I  visited  last  autumn 
and  winter.  As  to  fie  prospect  of  Beaver  there  I  will  only  say 
that  3  nave  no  doubt  of  taking  300  skins  fall  and  spring.  As 
much  sign  as  would  give  me  this  I  have  seen.  I  have  little  doubt 
much  more  might  be  found,  but  in  that  country  a  hunt  cannot  \^e 


1161 


WYl'TH'vS  ORKOON  RXPKDITIONS. 


nia<le  with  horses  alone,  boats  must  be  used.  I  have  obtained 
some  maps  of  the  country  teside  my  own  observations  in  it,  and 
I  have  little  doubt  but  I  can  make  my  way  through  it  without 
guides,  who  cannot  be  procured.  As  this  country  is  distant  an 
immediate  answer  is  required.  As  it  regards  the  mules[?]  Horses 
would  do  but  are  by  no  means  so  good  for  grass  in  some  places  is 
very  bad.  If  the  number  required  is  a  very  great  objection  9  would 
do  but  goods  enough  to  buy  3  more  must  be  given  in  their  stead. 
The  men  that  are  wanted  must  be  good, peaceable  and  industrious, 
})Ut  need  not  be  trappers.  I  would  prefer  good  men  who  have 
not  been  more  than  one  year  in  the  country.  In  case  of  agree- 
ment being  made  you  are  to  engage  to  deliver  what  letters  I  wish 
to  send  home,  a  boy  about  13  years  old  and  about  25  lbs.  sun- 
drys.  The  expenses  of  the  boy  in  the  States  mj-  brother  in 
N.  York  will  pay  to  whom  he  is  to  be  delivered.  The  boy  will 
have  a  mule  to  carr^-  him.  With  so  many  animals  as  I  have  and 
so  few  men  I  cannot  come  to  the  forks  and  I  think  these  Indi- 
ans will  go  no  further  than  where  in  your  route  to  Green  River 
you  strike  the  plain  of  the  Three  Butes.  There  I  hope  to  see 
you  and  in  case  you  acceed  to  the  proposal,  with  all  the  things  re- 
quired in  it,  this  hunt  to  be  for  one  year  to  meet  you  at  your  ren- 
dezvous of  next  year  the  furs  to  be  equally  divided  between  us 
and  I  to  have  the  right  to  take  mine  at  any  time  during  the  3'ear 
yourself  to  have  the  right  to  send  a  man  to  see  to  your  interests — 

Proposition. 


To  be   furnished   by  .Mr.  Wyeth. 

19  horses 
3  mules 

20  traps 

3  men  with  myself 
2  doz  knives 

I  Lodge 

Cooking     apparatus 

Vermillion. 

fish  Hooks  a  few  sundrys. 

10  lbs  powder  and  lead. 

14  pr.  Horse  shoes. 

4  pack  saddles  and  Harness. 


To  he  furnished  by  Mr  B. 

9  men,  armed,  clothed  for  the 

year  with  saddles  &c 
12  mules 
9   skins   dressed    for    making 

boats 
40  good  traps 
I  doz  files 
4  doz  knives 
20  lbs  tobacco 
200  lbs  grease,  if  possible 
3  bales  Indian  meat 
a  few  small  tools 

3  axes 

12   pair  Horse   shoes   (if  you 
ha  e  them.) 

4  pack  saddles  and  Harness. 
6  pair  of  lashes[?] 

25$  for  cost  of  sundrys 

25  lbs.  powder  and  lead  with  it. 

— said  man  to  do  duty  the  same  as  tVie  other  men  and  to  have  no 


)  i 


kn 


60 


CORRKSrONDFvN'CH: 


[117 


other  control  than  to  secure  your  interest  in  the  division  of  Uie 
skins.  In  case  you  are  ready  to  make  this  arrangement  you  need 
make  no  doubt  of  my  being  ready  to  enter  at  once  on  it  except 
that  in  the  mean  time  I  loose  my  animals. 

You  to  have   the   liberty   of  sending  a  load  of  goods  to  pay  off 
the   men   you    furnish.     AH  property   at   the   risk   ofitsowiier, 
neither  to  be  responsible  for  the  debts  of  the  othor. 
•  Yrs  &c. 

[No  signature.] 

I.XXV. 


are   written   across  the  face  of  the  fol- 


[The  words  "Not  Sent' 
lowing  letter.] 

Head  of  Lewis  River    July  4th    1833 
Mess  Joseph  Baker  &  Son,  Boston  Masstts. 

Gent.  Your  politeness 
to  me  in  the  little  intercourse  I  had  with  you  in  regard  to 
my  expedition  hither  must  l>e  my  apology  for  troubling  you  with 
this.  I  hope  you  will  not  deem  me  impertinent  interested  in  the 
information  I  send  you.  I  tell  you  plainl}^  that  all  my  prospects 
of  doing  any  thing  on  the  coast  with  no  more  means  than  I  have 
still  left  of  my  own  are  at  an  end.  I  have  traversed  the  country 
in  many  directions  and  found  all  tho.se  places  which  [are]  accessi- 
l)le  to  shipping  occupied  or  about  to  be  so  by  the  H.  B.  Co.  who 
are  efficient  opponents.  The  salmon  alone  without  the  fur  I 
deem  doubt  full.  Not  that  enough  could  not  be  traded  of  the  na- 
tives by  a  vessell  in  the  Columbia  but  when  you  trade  fish 
of  the  Indians  it  is  fresh  to  be  sure  but  not  fresh  enough  to  salt 
for  a  long  voyage.  Fish  to  keep  well  mu.st  be  salted  immediately 
from  the  sceine.  If  the  plan  is  to  catch  them  yourselves,  I  think 
it  is  at  least  as  doubtfuU  possibil[i]ty.  It  appears  to  me  that  the 
impression  of  the  vast  quantity  of  salmon  in  the  Columbia'  arrises 
from  not  considering  the  vast  number  of  Indians  employed  in 
catching  what  is  seen.  If  each  Indian  catches  three  a  day  it 
would  feed  his  family  and  still  permit  him  to  bring  one  along 
side,  and  this  would  give  more  salmon  than  would  be  requisite 
for  a  cargo  biit  salmon  would  in  this  case  be  from  6  to  30  hours 
out  of  the  water  which  is  far  too  long  in  this  warm  climate. 

I  shall  return  next  year  about  the  time  that  you  receive  this 
and  probably  endeavor  to  form  some  connection  to  carry  on  some 
buisness  in  this  countr>\  One  years  more  experience  here  will 
enable  me  to  speak  with  more  confidence  of  the  foregoing  mat- 
ters. The  mean  time  will  be  employed  in  a  trapping  expedition 
with  1 1  men  south  of  the  Columbia  River.  I  intend  to  reach  the 
vicinity  of  St.  Francisco.  I  shall  beg  the  honor  of  communica- 
ting with  you  on  my  return,  I  subjoin  a  V.^*^  "f  <-he  posts  occu- 
pied or  about  to  be  so  by  the  H.  B.  Co   or.    this  coobt  vi?..  an  oc- 


ir8] 


WYKTH'vS     ORKOON     KXPKDITIONS. 


6l 


ik 


ill 


July  4th     1S32L3J 

Having  received  from 
take  the  liberty  of  ad- 
about  a  year  from  the 


casional  post  on  the  Umquoi  River  which  is  in  latt.  about  44  deg. 
Fort  George  or  Astoria  renewed  in  1830  and  to  be  kept  up.  One 
at  Fraizers  River  which  enitys  lato  Pugetts  Sound  about  30  miles 
up.  It  is  in  contemplation  10  move  this  post  to  the  coast  and  a  lit- 
tle south  of  the  mouth  of  the  River.  One  to  be  established  this 
year  south  of  Nass.  One  already  established  at  Xass.  Also  4 
Bgs.  and  Schs.  employed  on  the  coast  continuously.  One  to  be 
established  north  of  Nass  this  year. 

The  loss  of  Capt.  lyamberts  Bg.  I  suppose  you  have  already 
heard.  The  Active  I  have  heard  has  gone  to  the  Islands.  I 
have  found  no  means  of  sending  any  of  the  business  letters  with 
which  you  entrusted  me.  The  family  letters  1  gave  to  Capt 
McNeil  now  in  the  Cos.  service  to  deliver  if  he  fell  in  with  your 
vessells.  I  am  yr.  obt.  servt.  Nathl  J  Wyeth. 

LXXVl. 
Heads  of  Lewis  River 
W'm  H.  Boardman  Esq.  (Boston  Masstts) 

Sir 
Capt.  McNeil  the  accompanying  letters  I 
dressing  you.  I  shall  return  to  the  States 
time  you  receive  this  and  shall  then  beg  the  favour  to  wait  on 
you  with  a  letter  of  introduction  from  Capt.  McNeil.  It  is  not  in 
my  power  to  communicate  any  information  which  can  be  interest- 
ing to  you  other  than  what  I  presume  is  contained  in  the  lettei  of 
Capt.  McNeil,  except  a  list  of  the  posts  established  or  about  to  be 
so  and  the  vessells  in  the  employ  of  the  H.  B.  Co.  on  the  N.  W. 
coast.  I  beg  you  to  believe  that  I  have  no  interested  views  in 
communication  I  make.  When  I  return  I  shall  be  able  from  a 
two  years  experience  in  the  country  to  form  a  judgement  whether 
any  thing  can  be  done  in  it  and  shall  then  endeavour  to  form 
.some  connection  to  enable  me  to  do  it.  Your  acquaintance  Mr. 
F.  Tudor  will  give  you  any  information  respecting  myself  which 
you  may  desire.  I  was  some  years  in  his  service  and  he  knows 
me  well.  I  am  yr.  obt.  vServt.     Nathl  J  Wyeth. 

Vz  An  occasional  post  at  the  Umquou  River  in  I,att  about  44  deg. 
"    Fort  George  or  Astoria  renewed  some  time  since 
"    One  30  miles  up  Fraizers   River   which   emptys  into  Pugetts 
Sound. 

This  post  will   probably  be  removed  to  the  Coast  a  little  south  of 
the  river. 

One  south  of  Nass  to  be  established  this  year 

One  at  Nass,  now  established. 

One  north  of  Nass  to  be  established  this  year 

Kept  continually  on  the  coast, 

Your  Bg  Lima  Capt  McNeil 

Diyad  [Dryad]  Bg.  Capt.  Kipling 

Cadboro  Bg.  Capt,  Sinclair 

Vancouver  sch.  to  be  launched  almut  May  Cap. Duncan 


I  • 


6» 


CORRKSPOI.DKN    rC: 
LXXVIl. 


[119 


[The  words  "Not  Sent*'  are  written   across   the  face  of  the  fol- 
lowing letter.] 

Heads  of  Lewis  River    July  4th     1833 
F.  Tudor  Ks<i.  (Boston) 

Dear  Sir  Since  my  last  from  Vadcouver  of 
Jany  i6th  I  have  by  'devious  routes  and  with  two  men  made  my 
way  to  this  place  which  is  near  the  back  1x)ne  of  America  and  in 
Latt  46  deg.  some  minutes.  Excepting  6  weeks  which  were 
spent  at  Vancouver  I  have  been  continually  on  the  march  since  I 
left  you.  I  can  now  speak  more  freely  of  my  circumstances  than 
in  my  last.  I  have  obtained  enough  furs  to  pay  my  expenses 
since  I  left  home  but  they  are  hidden  in  the  country  and  I  have 
not  been  able  to  make  my  wa)'  to  them  as  yet.  I  remain  here 
for  this  and  other  purposes  one  year  more.  I  have  recruited  9 
more  men  which  makes  me  12  in  all  and  34  Horses  and  mules. 
With  these  I  shall  make  a  hunt  and  p[e]rhaps  obtain  what  furs 
I  collected  last  year.  In  the  progress  of  this  years  hunt  I  mean 
to  go  southward  to  near  the  vicinity  of  the  Spanish  settlements  in 
Calafornia.  If  I  am  unsuccessful  this  is  my  last  effort  and  how- 
ever disagreeable  it  may  l>e  I  sliall  then  return  home,  and  solicit 
again  the  place  which  your  generosity  once  honored  me  with. 
Strict  necessity  will  only  bring  me  to  this.  I  beg  you  will  excuse, 
you  know  my  troubles  and  altho  my  course  has  been  different 
from  what  you  advised  I  trust  that  you  will  have  lenity  enough 
to  excuse  what  you  doubtless  deem  a  weakness  and  perhaps  truly 
(a  man  is  no  judge  of  his  own  maladies.) 

In  a  letter  to  Mr.  \Vm  H.  Boardman  Esq.  I  hinted  that  in  case 
a  farther  experience  should  justify  hopes  of  success  in  this  coun- 
try, I  should  return  with  a  view  to  form  some  connection  to  en- 
able me  to  pursue  it.  I  refered  him  to  you  for  a  farther  knowl- 
edge of  myself.  Allow  me  to  suggest  the  same  to  yourself.  In 
some  of  your  last  communications  to  me  you  hinted  your  inten- 
tion of  quitting  the  Ice  buisness.  I  hope  you  have  not  done  so. 
It  is  a  good  permanent  income  to  stand  upon  in  case  of  disLas]- 
trous  speculations  to  which  all  are  liable.  I  anticipate  that  you 
have  realized  much  money  from  your  coffee  operations.  I  can- 
not see  how  you  can  fail  of  making  some.  Be  assured  if 
my  wishes  would  avail  anything  you  would  make  plent)\  I  am 
now  writing  in  the  open  air.  I  am  shivering  with  cold,  badly 
clothed  in  skins.  Here  there  is  no  wood  to  warm  one  [and]  all 
nature  seems  clothed  in  gloom.  Be  assured  I  look  back  upon 
what  and  where  I  should  have  been,  if  but  for  one  thing  in  great 
bitterness  of  spirit.  Distance  as  you  conjectured  has  brought  no 
balm  to  the  wounded  mind  and   physical  suffering  has  not  allevi- 


[119 


I20] 


WYRTH'S  OREGON  KXPKDITIONS. 


63 


ated  the  mental,  nevertheless  my  perseverence  (or  obstinacy  as 
you  please  to  term  it)  is  not  worn  out,  and  if  things  go  bad  the 
determination  to  make  them  go  better  is  not  the  less.  My  health 
is  nearly  the  same  as  when  with  you.  The  bad  food  and  starva- 
tion  of  this  country  aoes  not  agree  well  with  me.  I  am  starting 
in  a  dangerous  route  in  case  the  worst  should  happen  my  best 
wishes  are  that  your  prosperity  and  happiness  may  be  in  propor- 
tion to  your  talent  and  perseverence  in  buisness  and  your  kind- 
ness and  favor  to  myself  in  better  days  more  I  cannot  wish  you. 
Be  pleased  to  give  my  respects  to  Mr.  Gordon. 

I  am  yr.  obliged  and  obt  servt.     Nathl  J  Wyeth 

LXXVIII. 

["Not  Sent"  written  across  the  face.] 

Heads  of  Lewis  River    July  4th     1S33 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  and  Henry  Hall  Esq.  (Boston  Masstts) 

Gent.  Since  mine  of  i6th  Jany  last  I  have  made  my  way  to 
this  place  but  without  being  able  to  obtain  my  deposites  of  furs 
or  goods.  I  have  however  been  able  to  raise  9  more  men  making 
a  party  now  of  12  with  34  horses  and  mules.  With  the.se  I  shall 
make  a  hunt,  and  probably  reach  to  near  the  Spanish  .settlement 
of  St.  Francisco,  and  on  my  return  obtain  my  last  years  deposites 
of  furs  &c.  All  this  if  I  do  not  loose  my  scalp.  If  no  such  acci- 
dent happens  you  will  see  me  about  one  year  from  the  time  that 
>'ou  receive  this.  In  the  mean  time  no  orders  will  come  to  you 
from  me.  The  requisite  amt.  of  furs  I  have  collected,  but  they 
are  not  at  accessible  places,  neither  do  I  deem  the  buisness  of  the 
coast  of  such  certain  issue  as  to  induce  me  to  risk  bringing  out  a 
vessell.  The  whole  coast  as  far  as  furs  are  concerned  is  taken  up 
by  the  H.B.Co.  As  to  Salmon  those  of  the  Columbia  only  are 
superior.  A  sufficient  quan[ti]ty  of  these  could  be  traded  but  when 
you  trade  a  salmon  it  is  from  6  to  30  hours  old  which  is  to[o]  old 
in  this  warm  climate  to  salt  well.  It  is  true  it  will  keep,  but  sal- 
mon badly  cured  is  a  common  article,  and  will  bring  but  a  small 
price.  I  am  quite  sure  that  traded  salmon  could  not  be  cured  so 
as  to  be  first  rate  and  others  would  hardly  pay  sending  home.  To 
catch  them  is  a  matter  that  requires  much  knowledge.  The  In- 
dian mode  is  too  .slow.  Several  good  fisherj^s  would  be  requisite 
for  the  sufficient  and  speedy  supply  of  a  ve.sseel.  I  should  not 
venture  on  the  latter  mode  without  myself  coming  home  and  put- 
ting up  the  requisite  materials  and  implements  for  the  buisness 
beside  I  think  as  all  my  men  have  left  me  and  in  future  I  should 
have  the  responsibility  of  wages  to  men,  it  would  be  more  pru- 
dent to  form  a  connection  if  pos,sible  and  avoid  a  liability  to  which 
my  own  means  are  not  adequate. 

I  remain  Gent,  your  obt.  Servt     Nathl  J.  W\'eth 


iO 


64 


C( )  R  R  KSPON  DKNCK: 
LXXIX. 


[l3l 


["Not  Sent"  written  across  the  face.] 


Heads  of  Lewis  River    July  4th     1S33 
Brother  Leonard  (  Xew  York) 

While  I  am  shivering  with  the  cold 
without  wood  and  nothitig  hut  a  few  skins  to  cover  my  n.iked- 
ness  you  are  jirohably  enjoying  the  festivities  of  the  day  with 
your  wife  and  litttle  ones  at  your  side.  To  think  of  those  things 
gi\es  me  the  blue  Devils.  Time  has  not  rid  me  of  these  and 
physical  suftering  has  not  lessened  the  mental  but  rather  points  my 
mind  to  the  cause.  If  I  can  still  as  of  old  sing"Heave  care  oerside 
&c"it  is  rather  in  obstinacy  than  in  truth  or  perhaps  is  more  like  a 
good  dinner  &  wine  thrown  1)ack  from  a  gorged  stomach.  I  drew 
on  you  from  Colville  for  about  $io(i.  In  the  letter  in  which  I 
advised  you  of  it  I  could  not  well  apologize  for  the  lil)erty  that  I 
took  as  I  knew  it  would  be  examined.  If  you  knew  my  neces- 
sitys  I  believe  you  would  not  ask  the  reason  of  my  drawing  on 
you  without  funds.  If  you  will  reccoUect  I  left  the  land  which  I 
bought  of  Harvd  Colledge  under  mortgage.  This  will  be  due 
two  years  from  last  March.  On  this  land  I  have  paid  $500.  My 
pride  is  much  concerned  in  keeping  it  and  my  necessitys  from  the 
world.  Should  I  not  return  in  time  to  make  arrangements  my- 
self, I  beg  you  to  enable  Mr.  Brown  to  defer  payment  by  remortg- 
aging  it.  A  farther  payment  of  $500  would  certainly  enable  him 
to  do  this  and  perhaps  he  can  without  any  further  payt.  I  shall 
write  Charles  to  the  same  effect.  That  you  will  do  it  between 
you  is  my  only  dependence,  and  consider  that  there  are  enough 
things  to  mortify  me  without  :,uch  an  experience  as  the  failure  of 
this  would  subject  me  to,  still  do  not  for  me  go  farther  than 
your  duty  to  your-self  and  family  will  admit  of.  I  am  alone  in 
the  world  and  if  my  misfortunes  are  heavy,  there  is  but  one  to 
bear  them,  I  wish  not  to  drag  others  into  them.  As  it  regards 
my  buisness  in  this  country  what  I  have  done  I  have  done  mostly 
without  help.  The  furs  I  have  got  would  in  all  if  in  the  states  pay 
my  expenses  but  they  are  deposited  in  the  earth  in  remote  places 
where  I  was  obliged  to  leave  them  for  want  of  animals  and  it  is 
a  chance  if  I  am  able  ever  to  get  them.  I  shall  give  no  orders 
under  the  contract  for  which  you  are  security  and  I  hope  you 
will  consider  this  in  the  matter  of  the  land  mentioned  above.  I 
have  with  much  exertion  recruited  my  party  to  12  men  my- 
self included  and  34  animals  and  shall  make  a  years  hunt  and 
endeavour  to  obtain  some  of  my  furs  of  last  year  in  the  progress 
of  this  hunt.  I  shall  go  southward  as  far  as  the  vicinity  of  St. 
Francisco  in  New  Calafornia  and  if  no  accident  happens  to  me  and 
there  is  a  possibility  of  so  doing  I  shall  be  with  you  about  a  year 
from  the  time   that  you  receive  t^i.^.     The  enterprise  I  am  upon 


is  a  dangerous  one  but  I  trust  to  my  usual 


gocjd 


luck  to  bear  me 


122] 


WYKTH'S    ORHGON     KXPEDITIONS. 


65 


o 


through.  vShould  I  give  a  letter  of  introduction  to  you  to  any 
one  connected  with  the  Fur  trade  I  wish  you  would  not  inform 
them  \vhether  I  am  worth  any  thing  or  not  as  it  is  not  for  my  in- 
terest tha  .  they  should  suppose  that  they  have  an  inefficient  op- 
ponent. Let  them  infer  what  they  please  but  at  the  same  time 
extend  to  them  as  much  hospitality  as  you  possibly  can.  Reccol- 
lect  that  I  have  already  drawn  largely  on  theirs  and  am  con- 
tinually exposed  to  do  the  same  again  and  do  not  be  startled  at 
atiy  difference  of  manners  and  appearance  reccoUect  that  they  have 
l>een  educated  with  the  Bears  of  the  wilderness.  Remember  me 
affectionately  to  your  wife  and  the  little  ones  and  believe  that  I 
reccoUect  you  as  often  as  I  have  occasion  for  your  kindness,  as 
you  may  well  infer  from  my  drafts  on  your  cash,  and  I  hope  that 
you  will  do  me  the  credit  of  doing  so  at  other  times.  My  health 
[isj  much  the  same  as  when  I  was  at  home.  I  send  you  a  Boy. 
Please  send  him  to  my  wife  and  pay  what  expenses  are  incurretl 
on  him  to  vour  place.  I  am  vour  affte  Bro. 

Nath.  J  Wyeth 

LXXX. 

["Not  Sent"  written  across  the  face.] 

Heads  of  Lewis  River    July  4th     1S33 
Bro.  Charles  (Baltimore) 

I  hope  that  today  you  are  better  off  than 
myself.  I  hope  you  are  in  peace  of  mind  and  content  enjoying 
with  your  friends  and  family  the  festivities  of  the  day  and  I  hope 
you  have  a  thought  too  of  me.  Imagine  to  yourself  a  fellow  seat- 
ed on  the  open  and  extensive  prairie  beside  a  little  brook  without 
a  fire  in  freezing  weather  and  poorly  clad  in  skins  with  plenty  of 
poor  raw  dried  buffaloe  meat  and  you  see  Nat.  A  meeting  with 
Mr.  Bonneville  gives  me  the  power  to  make  up  jointly  with  him 
a  party  for  a  hunt  for  this  season.  I  shall  not  come  home  this  year. 
My  party  is  1 2  in  number  with  myself  and  34  animals.  With 
the.'ie  I  shall  go  southward  to  the  vic'nity  of  St.  Francisco  in 
New  Calafornia.  Since  I  have  been  in  the  country  I  have  col- 
lected Furs  enough  to  pay  my  expenses  but  they  are  deposited  in 
such  places  as  render  it  at  least  doubtful  if  ever  I  see  them  again. 
They  were  left  for  want  of  horses  to  carry  them.  This  and  other 
matters  relating  to  my  being  worth  property  or  not  please  not  to 
communicate  to  any  one  connected  with  the  Fur  trade  even  if  he 
come  with  a  letter  from  me.  If  they  find  out  my  true  circum- 
stances let  it  be  by  their  own  wits.  It  is  not  my  interest  that 
they  sup[p]ose  me  worth  nothing,  at  the  same  time  should  I  give 
a  letter  of  introduction  to  any  of  them  have  the  goodness  to  ex- 
tend as  much  hospitality  to  them  as  you  can.  Keep  in  mind  that 
in  this  country  I  am  continually  liable  to  receive  it  from  them 
and  that  I  have  already  received  much.     Your  bond  for  the  fulfil- 


6() 


CORRlCSPONDKNCIv: 


(«2;> 


tneiit  of  a  contract  with  Mess  Tucker  atul  Williams  you  niuy  now 
consider  a  dead  letter.  I  shall  make  no  use  of  the  contract  with 
them  at  least  until  I  see  you.  I  have  a  reciuest  to  ask  of  you  and 
Leonard  jointly.  It  is  that  you  would  enable  Mr  Hrown  to  defer 
the  payment  to  Harvd  Colledge  for  the  land  I  bought  of  them. 
It  l)ecomes  due  two  years  from  last  March.  I  have  paid  $ot.j$  on 
this  land  a  farther  payt.  of  500$  would  undoubtedly  enable  him 
to  reraortgage  it.  My  pride  has  but  little  to  cling  to  now  save  it 
I  l)eg  of  you  in  this  respect.  If  I  return  as  I  expect  in  alx)utone 
year  from  the  time  you  receive  this  I  can  arrange  the  matter  my- 
self. But  there  is  so  much  Ldoubt]  of  my  being  able  to  do  so 
lliat  I  deem  it  requisite  to  make  the  alK)ve  reciuest  at  this  time. 
Please  give  my  affectionate  resj^ects   to   your  lady  and  little  ones. 

Yr  afte  Bro.     \.  J.  \V. 
IXXXl. 

["Xot  Sent"  written  across  the  face.] 

Heads  of  Lewis  River    July  4th      1S33 
Leond.  Jarvis  lis([.  (Baltimore) 

Dear  Uncle,  Since  my  last  of  i6th 
J  any  from  Fort  Vancouver  I  have  made  ray  way  so  far  across  the 
land  with  two  men  l>ut  have  not  been  able  to  go  to  the  places 
where  my  furs  of  last  year  are  deposited.  Circumstances  now  en- 
able me  to  raise  a  small  party  of  men  with  which  to  try  again  if 
any  thing  can  be  made  in  this  country.  My  scituation  is  here  far 
from  Ixiing  comfortable.  Since  my  last  I  have  seen  some  suffer- 
ing and  this  year  I  shall  probably  see  much  more  and  with  so 
small  a  party  there  is  some  danger.  Since  I  have  l^en  in  the 
country  I  have  caught  furs  enough  to  pay  all  of  my  expenses  if 
they  were  in  the  States  but  I  do  not  much  expect  to  be  able  to 
get  them  without  as  much  trouble  and  expense  as  would  be  re- 
quired to  catch  as  many  more  and  for  this  purpose  I  am  about 
starting  for  a  hunt  to  the  southward  of  the  Columbia  River.  In 
the  course  of  this  hunt  I  shall  probably  go  to  near  the  Spanish 
settlement  of  St.  Francisco  in  New  Calafornia.  About  a  year 
from  the  time  you  receive  this  you  may  expect  to  see  me  in  your 
city.  I  think  there  is  a  good  ci.ance  to  make  money  in  this  coun- 
try. A  good  hunter  can  take  an  average  of  1 20  skins  in  a  year 
these  are  worth  in  Boston  about  $1000.  Such  hunters  can  be 
hired  for  about  400$  payable  in  goods  at  an  average  of  600  per  ct 
profit.  The  animals  to  do  the  buisness  of  a  camp  cost  here  about 
4$  in  goods  prime  cost  in  Boston  or  N.  York.  A  band  of  20 
hunters  require  about  10  men  for  the  various  buisness  of  the 
camp.  These  with  transportation  horses  $3300  for  these  men  do 
not  take  all  their  pay  in  goods.  The  Hunters  do  not  actually 
cost  more  than  2000$.  This  as  you  will  perceive  vnll  leave  a 
large  profit.     I  am  certain  that  had  I  the  means  now  here  I  could 


ii4j 


WYRTn'vS  f)RK(iON  KXPliniTIONS. 


07 


tlo  as  well  as  this.  All  the  means  that  I  have  with  me  and  avail- 
able only  enal)le  me  to  lit  out  a  party  of  1 2  men  and  34  horses 
and  mules.  This  party  is  one  half  mine  and  one  half  Mr  Uone- 
villes  and  myself  am  to  lead  it  ind  take  one  half  of  the  skins.  The 
result  of  this  party  will  show  whether  my  calculation  above  %'\v  ■ 
en  is  correct  and  if  so  will  enable  me  to  follow  the  buisness.  If  it 
])roves  otherwi.se  I  shall  give  it  all  up  and  come  home  and  per- 
liaps  remain  there.  I  have  made  a  proposal  to  the  Hon.  H.  B, 
Co.  and  requested  them  to  direct  their  answer  to  your  care.  Will 
you  have  the  gocMiness  to  open  their  letter  and  write  them  that 
lor  reasons  above  stated  I  am  not  with  you  to  do  so  myself.  Say 
to  them  that  I  am  on  a  hunting;  excursion  and  will  stop  at  some 
(jf  their  posts  where  by  means  of  their  general  letter  to  the  win- 
tering partners  I  shall  find  if  it  is  accepted  and  in  such  case  I  will 
hand  over  the  proceeds  of  my  hunt  to  meet  the  requisitions  of  the 
contract,  but  in  fault  of  finding  such  information  shall  j^roceed  to 
the  American  rendezvous  in  the  Mts.  where  by  your  means  I  will 
get  their  answer  and  act  accordingly.  Will  you  also  have  the 
goodness  to  send  me  a  copy  of  their  answer  and  contract  if  one  is 
sent  not  the  original  as  the  appearance  of  it  would  procure  its 
being  stoped  by  some  interested  trader.  This  you  can  do  by  send- 
ing the  letters  to  Me.ss.  Von  Pool  and  McGil  or  Mr.  E.  E.  March 
of  St.  Louis  with  a  reijuest  that  they  will  place  the  letters  in 
such  hands  as  they  will  reach  the  rendezvous  of  the  Americans  in 
the  mountains.  If  all  this  is  to[o]  much  trouble  as  I  much  fear 
please  make  this  request  over  to  Charles.  Please  give  my  re- 
spects to  my  good  aunt.  I  am  yr  aft  Nephew      N.  J.   Wyetli 

hXXXIl. 

Heads  of  Lewis  River    July  4th     i-S-^^ 
Mr.  Thomas  Nuttall  (Cambridge) 

Dear  Sir  I  have  sent  through 
my  brother  Leond  of  N.  York  a  package  of  plants  collected  in  the 
interior  and  on  the  western  coast  of  America  somewhere  about 
Latt.  46  deg.  I  am  afraid  they  will  be  of  little  value  to  you.  The 
rain  has  been  so  constant  where  I  have  been  gathering  them  that 
they  have  lost  their  colors  in  some  cases,  and  they  will  be  liable 
to  further  accident  on  their  route  home. 

I  shall  remain  here  one  more  year.  You  if  in  Camb.  may  ex- 
pect to  see  me  in  about  one  year  from  the  time  you  receive  this. 
I  shall  then  ask  you  if  you  will  follow  another  expedition  to  this 
country  in  pursuit  of  your  science.  The  cost  would  be  less  than 
living  at  home. 

I  have  several  times  attempted  to  preserve  birds  to  send  you 
but  have  failed  from  the  moisture  and  warmth.  I^xcuse  the 
shoitness  of  this  as  I  hav^e  many  letters  to  write  and  little  time- 
to  do  it  in. 

Resply  Vr.  obt.  servt.     Xathl.  J  Wyeth 


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CORRf«:SPONnENCK: 


[•25 


P.  S.  By  the  notes  on  the  paper  my  journal  will  show  the 
place  from  which  the  plant  comes  if  kept  in  its  proper  sheet  until 
I  come  home. 

LXXXIII. 

["This  letter  sent  by  Mr  Krmatinger"  written  across  the  face.] 


Dear  Sir 


Plain  of  the  Three  Butcs    July  5th     1833 


Having  arr[i]ved  at  the  camp  of  Mr.  Bonneville  I  take  the  lib- 
erty LofJ  wiiting  you  by  this  la.st  opportunity  to  express  how  much 
I  am  under  obligation  to  Mr.  Krmatinger  for  the  polite  and  agree- 
able manner  in  which  he  has  dispensed  your  hospitality  to  me 
during  the  whole  route. 

I  am  here  in  a  direct  train  for  the  States,  and  cannot  without 
some  extraordinary  accident  fail  of  reaching  home  in  Oct.  next. 
vShould  you  visit  the  states  I  would  feel  myself  highly  honored  by 
a  visit  or  any  intercourse  which  might  be  agreeable  to  you  for 
which  purpose  I  have  enclosed  my  direction.  Should  any  of 
your  friends  visit  the  States  a  letter  would  procure  them  any  at- 
tention which  may  be  in  my  power.  It  will  be  a  pleasure  to  exe- 
cute any  buisness  commands  with  which  you  may  entrust  me. 
Models  of  Agricultural  implements,  seeds  and  other  matters 
cotmected  with  3'our  tastes  or  buisness. 

Resply.  yr.  obt.  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

To  I)oct.  McLaughland     Fort  Vancouver. 

LXXXIV. 

Heads  of  (ireen  River    July  1 8th     1833 

Mess.  Von  Phul  &  McGill 

Gent  The  enclosed  draft  by  Mess.  Bon- 
neville &  Co.  $366.66  I  desire  you  will  collect  of  the  Bearer  Mr. 
C.  Cerri.  If  not  paid  by  him  at  sight,  please  forward  it  for  col- 
lection to  Mr  Leond.  I.  Wyeth  of  the  firm  of  Cripps  &  Wyeth  lace 
goods  dealers  New  York  and  oblige 

Yr.  Obt.  vServt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 

I.XXXV. 

Green  River    July  i8th     1833 
Mr  John  Ball 

Dear  Sir  I  write  to  inform  you  that  my  agents  at 
Boston  have  sent  to  the  care  of  Mess  Bring^made  Ladd  and 
Hooper  of  the  Sandwich  Islands  two  trunk  and  some  letters  for 
you  from  thence  they  will  be  forwarded  to  the  Columbia  River 
by  the  first  opportunity.  I  return  home  by  the  Yellowstone  and 
Missouri  in  boats.  I  am  Yr  Obt  Servt     Nath  J  Wyeth. 


-  ■^•■-^wtiVijiiftiaiiiiwiwiiwitt 


136] 


WYKTHS     ORKGON     KXPKDITIONS. 


69 


LXXXVI. 

Green  River    July  i8th    1833 
Mr  F.  Krraatinger 

Dear  Sir  I  arrived  here  on  the  i6th  9  days 
from  your  camp  Saw  no  Indians  but  saw  the  bones  of  Mr  More 
killed  by  the  Blkfeet  last  yefir  and  buried  them.  He  was  one  of 
my  men  who  left  me  in  Pier[r]es  Hole  last  year.  A  Mr  Nudd 
was  also  killed  by  them.  All  the  rest  arrived  well  in  the 
States.  I  found  here  about  250  whites.  A  list  of  the  Cos. 
iind  their  Beaver  which  I  have  seen  I  subjoin.  1  should 
have  been  proud  of  my  countrymen  if  you  could  have 
seen  the  American  Fur  Co.  or  the  party  of  Mr.  S.  Campbell. 
For  efficiency  of  goods,  men,  animals  and  arms,  I  do  not 
ixilieve  the  fur  business  has  afforded  a  better  example  or 
discipline.  I  have  sold  my  animals  and  shall  make  a  boat  and 
float  down  the  Yellowstone  and  Missouri  and  see  what  the  world 
is  made  of  there.  Mr.  \Vm  Sublette  and  Mr  Campbell  have  come 
up  the  Missouri  and  established  a  trading  fort  at  each  location  oi 
the  posts  of  the  Am.  Fur  Co.  with  a  view  to  a  strong  oppo- 
sition. Good  luck  to  their  quarrels.  I  have  got  letters  from  the 
States.  The  chief  news  are  that  the  cholera  Morbus  has  swept 
through  them  killing  5000  people  in  N  York  and  in  proportion 
elsewhere,  (xenl.  Jackson  president  an  insurriK:tion  in  the  South- 
ern States  on  ace.  of  the  Tariff  but  quelled  by  Bloc[k]ading  their 
ports  and  the  repeal  of  the  most  obnoxious  parts  of  the  same. 
About  25  Americans  have  been  killed  during  the  last  year.  A 
Snake  village  is  here  with  us.  I  find  Bonnevilles  connections  are 
responsible  [A  statement  that  he  has  a  draft  from  B.  for  horses 
follows  but  is  crossed  out.]  he  being  very  short  of  them.  He 
lost  one  entire  party  among  the  Crows  that  is  the  Horses 
and  of  course  all  the  Beavers.  A  party  under  Bridger  and 
Frapp  also  lost  their'  horses  by  the  Aricarees,  also  Harris 
party  lost  theirs  by  the  same  Inds.  who  have  taken  a  perm<*- 
nent  residence  on  the  Platte  and  left  the  Missouri  which  is 
the  reason  I  go  by  the  last  named  river.  Hanis  party 
did  not  interfere  with  any  of  my  plans  south   of  Snake  River. 

In  my  opinion  you  would  have  been  Robbed  of  your  goods  and 
Beaver  if  you  had  come  here  altho  it  is  the  west  side  of  the 
Mts.  for  Green  River  emtys  into  the  head  of  the  Gulph  of  Cala- 
fornia.  I  give  you  this  as  an  honest  opinion  which  you  can 
communicate  to  the  Co.  There  is  here  a  great  majority  of  Scoun- 
drels, i  should  much  doubt  the  personal  safety  of  any  one  from 
your  side  of  the  house. 

My  Respects  to  Mr.  Payette  and  believe  me  vr.  sincere  friend 

Nathl  J.  Wyeth 

Drips  and  Fontenelle  arrd  July  8th  160  men  a  goo<i  supply 
of  animals.     Obtained  51  packs  of  100  lbs  ea.  Beaver. 


70 


CORRRSPONDKNCi:: 


tu7 


Rocky  Mtn.Fur  Co.  55  packs  55  men  well  supplied  one  party 
not  in      Beaver  sent   home   by    Mr.  Campbell. 

Mess.  Bonneville  &  Co.  22)4  packs.  Few  goods  few  horses 
and  poor  Capt.  Cerry  goes  home  B.  remains. 

Harris  party  now  in  hand  7  packs  Beaver  and  are  on  foot. 

LXXXVIl. 

Liberty     29th  Uept.     1833 
M  r  Wiggin  Abbot  (Expected  from  the  upper  Missouri  soon) 

I  leave  in  charge  of  Mr  Samuel  some  cloths  for  you.  He  will 
also  supply  you  with  money  sufficient  to  come  to  the  eastward 
and  for  other  necessar>'  expenses.  I  hope  to  see  you  soon  and 
reuiaiii  Yrs   &c 

[No  signature.] 

When  vou  arrive  at    Baltimore  call  on  Wveth  and  Nor- 


ris  for  me. 


LXXXVIII. 


Liberty     Sept  29th     1S33 
Dear  Sir     (E.M.Samuel; 

(Present)  As  it  is  my  present  intention  to  return 
across  the  mountains  to  the  Columbia  the  next  Spring  I  deem  it 
requisite  to  open  some  arrangement  fc  the  purchase  of  the  nece  s 
sary  outfits  so  far  as  horses  harness  and  men.  I  wish  to  know 
what  is  requisite  in  order  that  you  commence  the  prosecution  of 
the  above.  Do  you  require  a  remittance  or  will  you  draw  drafts 
as  fast  as  disbursements  are  required?  The  amt.  of  responsibility 
will  be  from  3  to  4000$.  An  answer  to  the  above  I  shall  receive 
in  Baltimore  to  the  care  of  Mess.  Wyeth  &  Norris. 

I  further  request  that  Wiggfin  Abbot  may  be  supplyed  with  money 
t:*  pay  his  expenses  to  Boston.  He  will  come  down  the  river  with 
Mr  Sublette  and  is  directed  to  call  on  you.  I  also  request  that 
the  suit  in  regard  to  the  notes  which  Capt  Hill  alledges  I  gave 
him  may  be  defended.  For  all  expenses  which  you  may  incur 
please  draw  on  Chas  Wveth  directed  as  above. 

Yrs.  &c     N.  J.  W. 

LXXXIX. 

Steam  Boat     Oct.  4th     1833 
Dear  Sir. 

When  at  the  Station  above  I  paid  the  small  draft  which  I 
had  before  given   Doct.  Fellows  on  you. 

I  leave  with  this  at  Mr  Aliens  a  small  bundle  of  clothes  for 
Abbot. 

Yrs  &c     N.  J.  W. 

To  E.  M.  Samuel  Esq    Liberty    Mo. 

P.  S.  Mr  Aull  says  he  is  willing  to  swear  that  Johnson  when 
he  brought  him  the  note  in  question  expressed  himself  uncertain 


138] 


WYKTH'S  ORRGON  KXPKDITIONS. 


7i 


when  he  got  it  also  that  he  saw  the  freight  paid.    Could  not  the 
testimony  be  used? 

XC. 

Steam  Boat  Mo.  River     Nov.  4th[Oct.  4th]     1833 
Kred.  Tudor  Esq.  (Boston) 

Dear  Sir  Since  my  last  from  Colm.  River 
ot' Jany  i6th,  I  have  made  my  way  to  this  place  on  boat  below 
Fort  Leavenworth  and  make  haste  to  inform  you  of  the  same.  I 
shall  probably  stop  a  few  days  in  Balto.  Philad.  and  N  York  and 
will  not  probablyjarrive  at  home  sooner  than  the  loth  Nov.  Expect- 
ing so  soon  to  see  you  there  is  little  to  write  further  than  to  say 
that  I  have  arrived  in  good  health  and  spirits,  and  that  nothing 
would  give  me  more  pler^sure  than  to  receive  a  letter  from  you 
at  Baltimore.  Should  you  have  any  buisness  to  transact  on  my 
route  to  Boston  I  should  be  glad  to  serve  you  in  any  way  you 
may  direct. 

[No  signature.] 

XCI. 

Steam  Boat  Mo.  River    Oct  4th     1833 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  and  Henr>'  Hall  Esq.  (Boston) 

Gent.  I  write  merely  to  apprise  you  of  my  arrival  .so  far  as 
this.  I  shall  be  in  Boston  about  the  loth  next  month  when  I 
shall  be  able  to  confer  [on]  matters  of  buisness  [better]  than  by 
letter.  I  received  your  letter  of  19th  Dec.  i833[2]  through  Mr 
Sublette  on  the  heads  of  the  Colorado  of  the  West,  and  can  hard- 
ly expre.ss  the  pleasure  that  it  gave  me. 

Yrs  &c     N.  J.  W. 

XCII. 

St.  Louis    Oct.  9th     1833 
Mr.  E.  M.  Samuel,  (Liberty  Missouri  Enclosing  his  order  on  Ed. 
Tracy  of  St.  Louis  for  200$) 

Dear  Sir  I  arrived  here  to  day.  Above 
you  have  your  order  for  200$  not  used.  I  shall  put  the  buisness 
of  the  counterfeit  note  into  the  hands  of  one  of  the  gentlemen 
named  in  your  memo. 

My  respects  to  your  good  lady  and  Mr.  More  and  my  thanks  to 
yourself  for  the  many  attentions  you  have  shown  me 

I  am  yr  obt.  Servt.  N.  J.  W. 

XCIII. 

St.  Louis  Oct.  9th  1833 
Mr.  M.  O.  Sublette  (at  St.  Louis)    Dear  Sir 

Accoiding  to  prom- 
ise I  write  but  can  siy  nothing  farther  than  when  with  you.  You 
may  depend  on  the  contract  or  the  bond,  and  you  will  hear  from 
me  within  9  weeks  stating  possitively  which.     I  leave   this  place 


7a 


COR  RKSPONDKNCK: 


[129 


0 


!,'l 


for  lyouisville  to  morro^^  and  shall  write  you  directed  to  the  Post  of- 
fice here.  If  you  A^Tite  to  me  direct  to  Cambridge  Masstts  care  of 
Mr.Jas.  Brown. 

YrObtServ*..     N.  J.  W. 
XCIV. 

St  lyouis    Oct  9th     1833 
Mr  M.  G.  Sublette  (Left  at  TownsC?]  Hotel    St  Louis) 
You  will  find  a  letter  in  the  Post  Office  for  you. 

Yrs  &c     N.  J.  W. 

XCV. 

Cincinati     Oct  17th     1833 
(To  Oenl.  Harrison) 

(present)  Sir  The  enclosed  I  received  from  your 
son  on  the  Big  Horn.  I  met  him  on  Green  River  on  the  Color- 
ado of  the  West  and  was  with  him  some  20  days.  He  is  in  good 
health  and  told  me  that  he  should  remain  in  the  Indian  country 
through  the  winter.  He  has  taken  an  outfit  from  Fitzpatric  & 
Co  of  some  few  horses  and  men   for  the  trapping   buisness. 

It  would  have  afforded  me  much  pleasure  to  have  delivered  the 
note  in  person  but  haste  prevents. 

&c     N.  J.  W. 
XCVI. 

Baltimore     Oct  21th     1833 
Sir  (London) 

In  answer  to  a  letter  which  I  wrote  to  you  from  Fort 
Colvill  dated  March  12th  1833 1  received  information  that  the  said 
letter  had  been  transmitted  to  you.  I  request  that  an  answer  may 
be  sent  to  Mess  Cripps  &  Wyeth  Merchts  N.  York  which  will 
be  in  season  as  I  arrived  too  late  to  proceed  to  the  Columbia  by 
vessell  this  year. 

I  have  made  a  contract  for  the  delivery  of  a  quantity  of  goods 
to  Mr.  Sublette  and  Mr.  Fitzpatric  partners  under  the  stUe  of 
the  Rocky  Mountains  Fur  Co.  Shou[l]d  your  Co.  make  the 
agreement  which  I  propose  I  would  fulfil  the  contract  with  the 
R.  M.  F.  Co.  goods  from  the  States  and  hand  over  the  furs  i-e- 
ceived  at  Walla  walla  or  Vancouver  and  the  furs  so  delivered  to 
be  in  lieu  of  the  security  which  is  proposed  in  my  letter  to  you  as 
above. 

(To  Geo  Simson  Esq.  or  the  Gov.  or  Agent  of  the  Hon.  Hud- 
sons  Bay  Co.  London) 

I  am  yr.  obt.  Servt.     Nath  J  Wyeth 

XCVII. 

Baltimore    Oct  26th     1833 
Bro.  Leond.  (New  York) 

Will  you   have  the  goodness  to  call[on] 
Mr.  Alfred  Seaton  and  ask  him  if  in  case   two   small  drafts  made 


i.vO 


WYKTH'S    ORHOON     KXPRDITIONvS. 


73 


by  Bonneville  &  Co.  amt.  about  $416  and  which  on  raj'  arrival  at 
St.  Louis  I  left  for  presentment  to  Mr.Cerry  who  brings  down  the 
returns  of  said  Co.  are  not  paid  by  said  Cerry  if  he  will  pay  the 
same.  These  drafts  we[re]  drawn  on  Mr  Seaton  and  others  at 
60  days  sight  provided  Mr  Cerr>'  did  not  elect  to  pay  them 
at  St. Louis  at  sight. 

I  shall  await  here  the  arrival  of  Charles,  if  I  do  not  get  notice 
from  him  that  he  will  remain  long  enough  to  see  him  in  N.York. 
The  enclosed  letter  I  wish  sent  to  England  by  the  first  convisy- 
ance  and  if  you  think  proper  you  can  direct  to  the  care  of  Mr 
Cripps  or  any  one  who  will  see  it  delivered  as  I  am  not  quite  cer- 
tain of  the  direction.     Please  seal  it 

Yrs  &c  N.  J.  W. 

XCVIII. 

Baltimore   Oct.  27th     1833 
Mr.Wm.  H.  Boardman  (Boston) 

Sir  Having  to  wait  here  a  few  days  I 
enclose  two  letters  which  I  received  from  Capt.  McNeil  on  the 
Columbia.  On  my  arrival  I  will  do  my  self  the  pleasure  to  call  on 
you  with  a  letter  of  introduction  from  Capt.  McNeil 

I  am  &o  N.  J.  W. 

XCIX. 

Baltimore    Oct  zSth     1833 
Old  Jonas 

On  board  the  Bg.  Calo[?]  Capt.  Percival  you  will  find  2 
Indians  one  Trunk  one  rifle  pair  Elk  Horns  pacage  of  papers 
small  bundle  of  cloths  which  plea.se  deliver  at  my  house.  The 
freight  and  passage  is  paid.  She  will  sail  about  the  ist  Nov. 
Shall  be  with  you  soon  and  am 

Yrs  &c  Nathl  J  Wyeth 

Cambridge    Nov.  8th     [833 
Mr  Henry  Hall  and  Mess  Tucker  and  Williams 

Gent.  In  order  to  understand 
Ihe  nature  of  that  branch  of  the  Fur  trade  in  which  I  propose  to  ' 
operate  I  deem  it  requisite  to  eater  into  a  short  account  of  its  size 
and  progress.  The  statements  which  I  shall  make  are  such  as  I 
have  heard  and  am  confident  are  in  the  main  true,  but  I  do  not 
pledge  my  self  that  every  circumstance  is  so  but  only  that  I  have 
heard  them  and  believe  them  to  be  so  and  that  the  inferences  are 
such  as  my  liest  attention  to  the  subject  warrant. 

About  12  years  since  Mr  Wm  H.  Ashley  engaged  in  the  Indian 
trade  essaying  by  various  means  to  obtain  furs.  At  the  time  he 
engaged  in  this  undertaking  he  was  bankrupt,  but  was  a  person 
of  cretlit,  which  enabled  him  to  get  the  requisite  means.  His  first 
attempts  were  predicated  upon  the  possibility  of  trading  furs  from 


wmmr 


CORR  HSIHIXOKNC  H: 


l«.^i 


.1 


the  Indians  in  the  interior  for  goods.  In  this  he  was  not  snccess- 
ful,  and  in  the  event  became  much  reduced  in  means,  &nd  credit, 
hut  in  the  course  ofthis  huisness  perceived  that  there  was  plenty 
of  Heaver  in  the  country'  to  which  he  had  resorted  for  trade,  but 
great  difficulty  to  induce  the  Indians  to  catch  it.  After  many 
tryals  of  trading  voyages  he  converted  his  trading  parties  iiito 
trapping  (>arties.  In  the  first  establishmeut  of  this  buisness  he 
met  with  all  the  usual  difficulties  incident  to  new  plans  but  still 
made  something.  About  this  time  a  Mr.Oardner  one  of  his  agents 
met  a  Mr,  Ogden  clerk  of  the  H.  B.  Co.  in  the  Snake  Country  at 
the  head  of  a  trapping  party.  Gardner  induced  the  men  of  Og- 
dens  party  to  desert  by  promises  of  supplyes,  and  good  prices  for 
furs.  The  furs  thus  obtained  amounted  to  about  130  packs  or 
13000  lbs.  worth  at  that  time  about  $75000.  The  following  year 
Ashley  sold  out  to  Smith  Sublette  &  Jackson  for  about  $30000 
and  left  the  buisness,  after  paying  up  his  old  debts,  worth  about 
50000$.  Smith  Sublette  &  Jackson  continued  the  buisne.ss  until  1829 
and  sold  out  to  Milton  Sublette  Frapp  Jervais  Bridger  and  Thomas 
Fitzpatric,  and  in  the  stile  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  Fur  Co.  for 
30000$, dividing  among  them  about  60000$  for  I  think  three  years 
buisness.  This  last  firm  has  continued  the  buisness  since  have 
paid  the  purchase  money  and  have  cleared  their  stock  of  goods 
and  animals  requisite  for  the  buisness  in  the  country  but  not  be- 
ing buisness  men  and  unknown  where  the  goods  are  to  be  bought 
have  been  dependent  upon  others  for  their  sup[p]lies  for  which  they 
have  paid  enormously  to  Mr.Wm.  L.Sublette  brother  to  a  member 
of  their  firm.  They  have  been  together  three  years  and  have 
made  two  returns  amounting  to  210  packs  of  furs,  value  nett 
about  80000$  and  received  two  outfits  of  goods,  first  cost  about 
6000$  for  which  they  have  paid  about  30000$  and  for  returning 
their  furs  about  8000$  leaving  them  after  paying  the  first  purchase 
about  1 2000$  some  of  which  must  be  due  to  men  who  have  not 
received  their  pay  in  goods  leaving  them  with  little  property  ex- 
cept their  Horses  Mules  and  Traps  and  a  few  goods,  and  un- 
available property. 

.  Since  th"?  commencement  of  this  species  of  buisness  severall 
persons  have  attempted  it,  but  all  are  now  out  of  the  way  except 
Mess  Dripps  &  F'ontenelle  fitted  out  by  the  Am.  Fur  Co. 
and  Mess.  Bonneville  &  Co.  fitted  out  by  men  in  New  York. 
Neither  of  these  last  named  Companies  as  far  as  I  can  ascertain 
have  made  money  to  any  great  extent,  owing  to  enormous  prices 
paid  for  goods.  The  countrj'  to  which  these  parties  resort  is  ex- 
tensive and  there  is  plenty  of  room  for  them  and  many  more,  and  if 
f/iey  made  a  little  money,  I  do  think  if  proper  means  are  used  that 
much  could  be  made.  After  this  short  account  of  the  present 
state  of  the  huisness  I  proceed  to  sum  up  the  expense  of  conduct- 
ing it,  as  it  ' ;  now  done,  in  order  to  shew  where  a  saving  may  be 


1^2 1  WVKTHS  ORKC.ON  IvXPRDITIONS.  JH 

made.  I  shall  omit  saying  any  thing  about  duties  on  coarse 
woolens  and  other  goods,  used  in  this  trade,  which  have  to  be 
paid  when  goods  are  sent  by  way  of  St.  Louis  and  which  may  he 
saved  when  sent  around  the  Horn. 

The  dry  goods  for  an  overland  trip  are  best  found  in  New  York 
and  the  other  articles  in  St.  Louis.  A  small  charge  must  be  ad- 
ded for  transport  to  St.  I^uis  for  those  bought  in  N.York,  say  on 
40tx>  lbs.  including 

Ins.  &  vSundrys $  i6o.cx) 

Baling  of  the  above  and  Sundrys  bought  at  St.  Louis..  loo.oo 

50  pack   saddles  and  50  Riding  Do 250.00 

Hobbles  and  Halteru  fur  100  animals 150.00 

Shoeing  for  100  animals 50.00 

Corn  and  sundry  for  Horses 50.09 

Saddle  Blankets 100.00 

50  men  for  5  months  at  15  per  month 3750.00 

Provisions  to  Buffaloe 100.00 

Pack  covers 50.00 

Am[m]unition 100.00 

100  animals 3000.00 

Guns 300.00 

First  cost  of  goods 3000.00 

Six  months  interest  on  all  charges  except  wages 222.00 

11382.00 

l)eing  the  Cost  of  transporting  goods  (including  the  first  cost)  of 
the  value  of  $3000  from  St.  Louis  to  the  Trois  Titons  lyong  1 10 
deg.  west  Latt.  about  43,  Air  line  distance  900  miles. 

In  making  an  estimate  of  the  cost  of  transporting  the  same 
amt.  of  goods  from  the  head  of  navigation  on  the  Columbia  I 
shaii  make  the  difference  in  time  and  force  required  which  from 
some  knowledge  I  think  just  and  also  cost  of  Harness  and 
Horses. 

50  pack  Saddles  and  1 5  riding  do  to  be  bought  of  the 

I nds  for  about  25   cts,  ea  in  goods 17.00 

Halters  and    Hobbles  for  65  animals 17.00 

Buffaloes  for  blkts 30.00 

15  men  for  4  months  at  15  per  month 900.00 

Provisions 1 00.00 

Pack  covers 50.00 

Amunition 25.00 

Guns 90.00 

65  animals  at  $5  ea 325.00 

First  cost  of  goods 3000.00 

$4554.00 


76  CORkFISroNDRNCK: 

Interest  for  lo  months  oti  ull  char^^es  except    wajjes  nl' 


i 


met! 


182. (X) 


$47.^6.00 
l)cinj?  Ji  difference  of  $6646.00  in  fav  of  transporting  goods  from 
the  first  rapids  on  the  Columbia  to  the  Trois  Titons  Kong  1 10 
deg.  west,  Latt.  43deg  N.  (and  400  miles  air  line)  over  and  above 
vSt.  I.ouis. 

I  have  assumed  a  calculation  of  $3000.00  liecause  I  have  con- 
tractetl  to  supply  that  amt.  of  goods  as  per  the  enclosed  copy  of 
contract  and  not  l)ecause  it  is  all  that  is  required  for  the  interior. 
The  amt.  now  consumed  in  the  section  of  country  with  which  1 
am  conversant  is  atx)Ut  1 2000.00$  first  cost  in  N  York.  Wheth  - 
er  in  the  end  I  could  supply  all  goods  wanted  may  be  a  question 
and  of  which  you  can  judge  as  well  as  myself,  but  that  men  can 
])e  employed  to  trap  beaver  anc'.  paid  as  far  as  their  wants  recjuire  in 
goods  the  same  as  is  now  done  I  feel  not  the  least  doubt  and  to 
almost  any  extent,  and  that  it  rzn  be  done  to  a  profit  is  proved 
by  the  fact  that  the  buisness  is  one  of  great  profit  even  as  it  is 
now  conducted  from  St.  Louis. 

I  shall  now  detail  what  I  think  may  l)e  done  in  order  to  get 
the  goods  wanted  to  the  Columbia  and  the  Furs  home  in  such 
manner  as  that  no  part  of  the  expense  of  the  vess»»U  may  l>e 
charged  to  them.  Salmon  have  been  brought  from  the  Columbia 
to  Boston  and  I  think  sold  for  about  $16  per  bbl.  but  I  believe  in 
not  the  best  order  which  I  suppose  arose  from  their  having  been 
caught  too  long  before  they  were  salted.  This  I  was  told  by 
persons  who  saw  them  put  up.  And  if  salmon  are  traded  from 
tlie  Indians  there  will  always  be  some  difficulty  in  this  respect, 
but  if  salmon  will  bring  $12  per  bbl.  they  will  pay  all  the  ex- 
penses of  the  vessell  and  lef  ve  a  large  allowance  for  the  expenses 
of  the  post,  at  which  the>  are  caught,  I  make  no  doubt  that 
enough  could  lie  taken  when  once  the  proper  mode  is  adopted, 
but  I  have  not  l)een  on  the  Columbia  below  the  first  rapids  in  the 
Salmon  season,  and  should  feel  doubtfull  as  to  the  expediency  of 
ordering  out  a  vessell  before  I  have  made  a  thorough  examination 
at  the  proper  time  of  year.  While  there  last  winter  I  sounded 
the  bottom  to  ascertain  [the]  depth  on  the  fishing  grounds  and  if 
the  bottom  was  clear  of  snaggs  and  rocks  and  found  it  favorable. 
I  have  every  confidence  when  the  proper  mode  is  known  and 
adopted  that  this  branch  of  the  buisness  will  pay  all  the  expenses 
of  the  vessell  and  leave  the  fur  trade  free  from  all  charges  in  the 
shape  of  freight.  The  prominent  advantages  of  supplying  my 
own  or  the  trapping  parties  of  other  concerns  from  the  Pacific 
instead  of  St.lvouis  are  saf[e]ty  of  the  country  traversed,  and  con- 
sequent saving  of  men,  shortness  of  distance,  and  low  price  and 
abundance  of  Horses  on  the  Columbia.  The  latter  circum- 
stance alone  ',vould  enable  any  company   doing   their  Imisness  by 


«.u] 


WYirniS    OHKCON     IvXl'MIHTIONS. 


77 


that  route  to  make  a  proffit  efjual  to  all  expeiiHes  of  transporting. 
The  Horses  in  the  mountains  are  brought  from  St.  I,ouis  chiefly, 
and  cost  about  S30,  and  when  you  consider  that  a  trapping 
party  uses  ,^  at  least  to  a  man  this  alone  is  a  large  and  con- 
tiiuial  saving  in  the  buisness. 

I  will  now  proceed  to  state  what  I  projiose  to  do  if  I  can  find  the 
means,  and  for  the  security  of  such  jiersons  as  shall  furnish  me,  I 
can  give  such  names  as  I  Ijelieve  would  l)e  satisfactory.  These 
names  I  will  bring  forward  at  the  proper  time.  The  enclosed 
contract  was  made  with  Mr.  Kitzpatric  and  Mr.  Sublette  of  the 
Rocky  Mountain  Fur  Co.  when  I  was  in  doubt  whether  I  would 
)^e  al)le  to  perform  it  but  knew  I  would  l)e  able  to  pay  the  de- 
fault. The  ontract  as  you  will  perceive  will  amt.  to  little  more 
than  carr>'ing  me  into  the  Indian  country  free  of  expense  and 
procuring  the  buisness  of  a  very  efficient  concern,  in  this  light  I 
Iiohl  it  to  lie  valuable. 

I  pro|>ose  to  fulfill  this  contract.  This  done  if  the  Rocky 
Mountain  Fur  Co  v.ill  sell  me  their  remaining  furs  at  such  rate 
as  I  can  make  money  or  will  pay  me  for  transporting  them  to  St. 
Louis  I  will  fit  out  a  party  sufficient  to  send  them  down  with  all 
other  furs  then  on  hand.  That  they  will  do  so  I  Ixilieve  liecause 
if  I  supply  them  with  goods  no  other  party  will  be  there  to  do  it, 
and  they  will  not  have  the  means  of  doing  it  themselves  in  the 
countr>'.  If  they  should  not  do  so,  then  I  will  proceed  to  a  safe 
country  on  the  Columbia  River  where  some  furs  may  be  traded 
and  there  leave  them  with  a  few  men  leaving  some  men  and  a 
trusty  person  to  keep  them  and  trade  as  many  more  as  he  can. 
The  residue  of  my  party  (their  apparatus  having  been  brought  out 
at  the  same  time  with  Sublettes  goods)  will  be  employed  in  the 
trapping  buisness.  During  the  last  of  the  salmon  season  of  1S34  I 
will  be  on  the  Columbia  in  order  to  see  in  what  mode  the  Salmon  may 
be  taken  in  such  quantity  as  will  do  for  a  vessell  and  also  endeav- 
or to  make  returns  by  some  vessell  that  may  happen  to  l>e  there. 
If  no  such  opportunity  should  occur  then  the  furs  must  either  re- 
main in  the  country  until  a  vessell  can  come  out  to  receive  them  such 
vessell  bringing  apparatus  salt  bbls.  &c  for  taking  home  a  cargo  of 
salmon  and  bringing  also  goods  to  supply  the  parties  or  when  the 
first  outfit  is  exhausted  the  whole  return,  and  afterwards  com- 
mence the  undertaking  by  sea.  In  the  mean  time  a  proposal  has 
l^een  made  to  the  H.  B.  Co.  to  supply  goods  in  the  country  and 
receive  the  furs  as  per  the  enclosed  copy  of  proposition.*  Should  I 
have  no  partners  in  this  buisness  I  might  in  case  of  their  [H.B.Co's] 
acceding  to  it  deem  it  for  my  interest  to  close  with  them,  if  I  had  part- 
ners I  should  probably  not.  Should  you  agree  to  give  me  the  requi- 
site supplys  and  I  should  afterwards  close  with  them  then  you 
shall  be  entitled  to  your  commissions  the  same  as  though  the  af- 


*See  copy  of  proposition  in  connection  with  No.  LXXIII,  p.  5K. 


7« 


CORRHSI'O.VDKNCi:: 


t«35 


fairs  puHsed  through  your  hatuls.  Should  you  joiu  me  as  |uirt- 
ners  you  will  of  course  exercise  your  judKeiuetit  iii  regard  to 
it,  but  I  have  uo  expectatious  that  the  Co.  will  accede  to  it  aud 
made  it  with  a  view  to  get  their  ideas  ou  the  subject  as  much  an 
with  auy  expectation  that  they  would  close  with  me. 

Ill  ctise  you  a);ree  to  supply  me  for  commiwiioiiH  aud  Interest 
the  amt.  wanted  will  not  l)e  far  from  H  to  10,000$  and  wanted 
some  by  the  first  of  January  and  from  that  to  ist  March  and  in 
auy  case  the  cash  would  Ix?  reciuired  at  the  same  period  but  the 
amt  mi{;ht  l)e  varied  if  you  took  partnership  acct)rdinjf  to  your 
views  but  I  deem  the  smallest  investment  the  Iwst  until  more  ex- 
perience is  obtained. 

I  will  in  conclusion  ol)serve  that  I  consider  all  the  coast  an«l 
country  North  of  the  Columbia  completely  (KX'upie<l  by  the  Knj(- 
lish,  and  all  ea.sl  of  the  mountains  l>y  the  Americans.  From  these 
countr>'S  I  expect  nothing,  l)Ut  all  that  country  lying  south  of 
the  Lewis  Fork  of  the  Columbia  and  west  of  the  mountains  as  far 
south  as  the  s-'ttled  parts  of  the  Mexican  territory  is  yet  unex- 
plored or  nearly  so.  Into  this  section  of  country  I  have  l)een, 
and  have  my.self  taken  more  than  a  pack  of  l)eaver  in  less  than  a 
month,  and  the  furs  of  this  region  are  excellent  from  their  color, 
and  goodne.ss,  aud  without  doubt  are  reasonably  abundant. 
One  reason  why  this  country  has  been  so  much  neglected  is  that 
in  it  there  are  no  Ruffaloc,  and  hunters  cannot  live  in  the  luxury 
that  they  like.  Still  with  good  economy  food  enough  may  be  found 
from  the  beaver,  Elk,  deer,  and  goat,  of  which  there  are  some.  Ot- 
ter are  plenty  and  good.  Furs  in  this  country  would  be  good  ex- 
cept al)out  three  months  in  the  summer  and  by  approaching  the 
.sea  coast  where  the  climate  is  warmer  the  hunt  might  continue 
all  winter  and  thus  add  a  great  amt.  to  the  years  hunt  without 
adding  any  thing  to  the  expense. 

&     &c     N.  J.  W. 

Knclosing  copy  of  contract  with  Fitzpatric  and  Sublette  and 
proposal  to  the  Hon.  H.  B.  Co. 

CI. 

Cambridge     Nov  loth     1833 
Bro   I^eond.    (N   York) 

Enclosed  you  have  a  note  against  Wyeth  & 
Norris  [for]  Three  Hundred  and  Sixty  Five  dollars  which  plea.se 
place  to  my  ace.  and  forward  me  the  same  in  order  that  I  may 
give  you  my  note  for  the  balance  which  is  all  I  can  do  for  the 
present. 

Am  now  in  treaty  with  Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  and  as  soon 
as  the  result  is  known  I  will  write  you  fully.  All  well  here  and 
the  wills  destroyed  at  my  request. 

Yr  Afte  Bro.     N.  J.  \V. 


tl»] 


WYKTII'S  ORKCON   ICXPIvDITlONS. 
CI  I. 


n 


CnmhridjSfc     Nov.  nth     iS-^,^ 
McHs.  Kditors 

Haying  while  on  a  recent  visit  to  the  Columbia  Received 
much  attention  and  kindness  from  the  Ivnglish  Traders  there  I 
deem  it  a  duty  to  express  ray  gratitude  for  the  same,  more  es- 
I>ecially  as  I  am  fre<iuently  aske<l  ths  ({uestion  if  I  was  never 
molested  by  them.  By  all  their  acts  toward  myself  1  am  fully 
convinced  that  all  persons  who  from  any  cause  may  come  into 
contact  with  them  will  receive  honorable  and  gentlemanly  treat- 
ment. Among  the  many  to  whom  I  am  under  obligation  I  wish 
to  name  Chief  Factors  John  McLaughlin  and  Finlinson,  Chief 
Trader  Francis  Horon,  Mr.  Francis  I'>matinger  and  Mr.  Fam- 
brun.  Among  the  American  Traders  I  have  received  much  at- 
tention from  Mr.  Mckenzie  and  Mr.  Laidlow  of  the  Am. 
Fur  Co  and  Mr.  Wm.  I„.  Sublette.  To  all  the  alwve  gentlemen 
I  tender  ray  thanks 

Vr.  Obt.  Servt.     Nathl  J  Wyeth. 
cm. 

Carabridge     Nov.  toth     1833 
Hro.  Jacob  (Cinlena  Mo) 

Having  arrived  here  I  take  the  first  oppor- 
tunity to  forward  your  account  in  order  that  it  may  be  r.ettled 
while  I  am  at  home  which  is  the  more  easy  as  there  appears  to  lie 
little  difference  l>etween  us.  The  horse  which  you  took  in  the 
mountains  was  charged  to  me  bj'  the  Co.  at  75$  but  in  your 
ace.  I  charge  just  enough  to  make  balance  between  us.  Int.  is  so 
nearly  even  that  I  say  nothing  about  it.  $150  is  credited  by  me 
to  you  because  that  amt.  which  I  took  of  Mess.  Norris  &  Wj'eth  in 
Baltimore  is  charged  to  you  in  y\.  tr  ace.  with  them  which  should 
have  been  charged  to  rae.  The  $94.50  in  your  ace.  is  cash  paid 
for  medicines  and  money  lent  at  various  times.  The  $40  is 
the  amt.  which  I  paid  the  Pacific  Trading  Co.  as  per  your  agree- 
ment with  them.  Will  you  have  the  goodness  to  forward  me  as 
soon  as  possible  your  ace.  against  me,  that  is  just  reverse  the  Dr. 
and  Cr.  sides  of  the  annexed  receipt  and  forward  it  by  mail,  also 
please  let  rae  know  how  you  are  doing.  All  well  here.  Nudd 
was  killed  last  winter  in  the  mountains,  and  Trumbull  died  at 
Vancouver  on  the  Columbia.     All  else  well  as  far  as  I  know. 

Yr  Afte  Bro.     X.  J.  Wyeth 

CIV. 

Cambridge     Nov  loth     1833 
Mess.  Joseph  Baker  &  Son  (Boston )     (This  letter  sent  also  to  W. 
H.  Boardman) 

Gent    The  following  has  been  collected  from  the 
clerks  of  the  H.  B.  Co.  during   ray   stay   west  of  the  mts.  and  al- 


So 


CORRRvSPONr  KNCK: 


[«37 


i 


tho  not  very  definite  may  serve  to  show  what  opposition  you  may 
expect  from  them.     It  has  been   gathered  from  so  many  persotis 
that  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  its  truth  may  be  relied  on. 

Yr  Obt.  Servt.     N.  J.  W. 

An  occasional  post  on  the  Umquou  River  in  about  Latt.  4?.  deg. 
Fort  George,  or  Astoria  renewed  about  J830  and  to  be  kept  up. 
A  Fort  at  Fraizers  River  which  emtys  into  Pugets  Sound  a1x>ut 
30  miles  up  the  river.  It  is  contemplated  to  move  this  post  to 
the  coast  and  a  little  south  of  the  river.  A  Fort  south  of  Nass  to 
Ixi  established  this  year.  A  Fort  now  established  at  Nass.  A 
Fort  north  of  Nass  to  be  established  this  year 
To  1)e  kept  on  the  Coast 

Bg.  Lima        Capt.     McNeil 
"    I)r\'ad  "         Kipling 

"    Kadboro       "         Sinclair 
Sell.  Vancouver  "         Duncan   to  be  launchetl  in  June. 

CV. 

Cambridge    Nov.  12th     1S33 
Bro.  Perr>' (Newburg  Vt.) 

I  arrived  home  on  6th  inst.  in  good 
health  and  spirits  and  am  very  buisy  in  making  arrangements  for 
another  trip.  I  hope  to  get  men  the  next  time  who  will  stick  to 
me.  On  arrival  I  found  all  well  and  much  the  same  as  when  I 
left.  It  would  afford  me  much  pleasure  to  see  you  this 
winter  but  I  do  not  think  it  po.ssible  for  me  to  spare  the  time 
required  for  a  visit  to  your  place.  I  regret  to  find  that  a  deserter 
of  mine  has  been  publishing  lies  in  some  paper  near  you.  Much 
that  he  says  can  be  contradicted  but  would  operate  as  an  expo- 
sure to  young  Livermore  which  I  would  wish  to  avoid  on  ace.  of  his 
parents.  It  appears  to  me  that  the  letters  of  Bell  go  at  least  to 
shew  that  he  was  guilty  of  Horse  stealing  and  if  his  character  is 
much  known  to  your  vicinity  his  statements  will  meet  with  little 
credit,  and  will  not  require  from  me  any  notice  in  fact  I  have  nei- 
ther time  nor  inclination  to  go  into  such  a  subject  with  such  a 
fellow.     Please  give  me  your   Ideas  on   this   matter. 

You  g^ave  me  a  letter  to  a  gentleman  at  the  Sandwich  Islands. 
This  I  sent  by  a  vessell  bound  theie. 

My  journey  to  the  Pacific  was  attended  by  ver>'  few  of  those 
romantic  adventures  or  terrible  sufferings  or  privations  supposed 
to  be  incident  to  such  journeys.  I  do  not  think  I  have  been 
without  food  for  two  whole  days  together  and  from  cold  we  suf- 
fered nothing.  I  have  not  read  Mr.  Balls  letters  but  suppose  they 
will  give  a  pretty  fair  idea  of  the  country  and  journey  for  I 
believe  him  to  be  a  man  of  veracity  and  not  inclined  to  exagerate. 
John  Wyeths  book  is  one  of  /I'fi/e  lies  told  for  gain.  I  hear  with 
regret    that    you    have     lost     your     second     child     and    with 


,.._:-'^'< 


1381 


WYRTH'vS  ORROON  RXPRDITIONS. 


8i 


pleasure  that  you  have  a  new  daughter.  Be  assured  that  I  sim- 
pathise  in  jour  pains  and  pleasures. 

If  you  wish  I  will  send  you  the  letters  of  Mr.  John  Ball  from 
the  Columbia  and  a  review  published  in  a  periodical  edited  by  Mr. 
Welland  in  this  town  of  John  Wyeths  Book  these  two  would  if  pub- 
lished in  some  of  your  papers  probably  convince  those  who  have 
read  Bells  letters  that  there  is  room  for  doubt  at  least.  I  shall  write 
to  S.  K.  Livermore  but  consider  him  entitled  to  no  explanation  from 
me  on  ace.  of  his  having  consented  to  have  public  letters  from  a 
deserter  and  thief  to  be  addressed  to  him  when  I  could  not  answer 
and  calculated  to  make  an  injurious  impression  against  me,  which 
when  the  subject  had  onc«  pa.ssed  from  the  public  mind  it  was 
impossible  to  alter. 

Please  give  my  respects  to  your  good  wife  and  family  and  be- 
lieve me  Yr  Aft  Bro.     N.  J.  W. 

CVl. 
["Not  Sent"  written  across  the  face.] 

Cambridge     Nov.  13th     1833 
S.  K.  Livermore  Esq. 

Sir  I  have  returned  to  Cambridge  and  find 
that  during  my  absence  publick  \etters  have  been  addressed  to 
you  in  answer  to  a  call  from  you  to  the  writer  for  information 
concerning  the  desertion  of  your  son  from  my  party.  Now  I  do 
not  object  to  your  right  to  enquire  into  a  matter  which  so  nearly 
concerns  your  family,  but  I  do  object  to  your  right  to  publish, 
or  of  aiding  or  abetting  the  publishment.  This  I  conceive  you 
have  done.  Had  I  been  in  the  countr>'  at  the  time  the  case 
would  have  been  different.  The  injury  is  now  done  and  thous- 
ands have  read  the  slander  who  can  never  see  the  answer,  even  if 
I  should  make  one  which  I  am  not  disposed  to  do.  Had  you 
made  only  private  enquiries  I  should  have  considered  myself 
bound  to  give  you  inforination  on  the  subject  at  the  first  oppor- 
tunity, and  then  you  would  if  you  thought  fit  have  had  a  right 
to  publish  what  you  pleased,  but  as  it  is  I  do  not  think  myself 
bound  to  go  into  the  subject  with  you.  My  case  has  by  you  been 
tried  and  the  result  at  ycur  instigation  published.  No  opportu- 
nity was  given  me  to  explain  in  the  case.  I  consider  myself 
treated  with  injustice  and  until  these  things  are  differently  ex- 
plained to  me  or  I  should  see  them  in  a  different  aspect,  the 
friendly  relations  in  which  we  have  heretofore  been  are  broken. 
I  am  Your  obt.  Servt     Nath.  J.  Wyeth 

CVII. 

Cambridge     Nov  12th     1833 
L,e[o]nd  Jarvis  Esq.  (Baltimore) 

Dear  Sir     I  have  called  as  you  requested 
to  see  about  a  shawl  to  be  sent  to  Vermont.    It  has  been  forward- 


83 


CORRKSI'ONDRNCR: 


[«3 


I 


ed  but  so  lately  that  there  had   not   been  time  for  you  to  hear  of 
it. 

I  am  much  engaged  at  this  moment  in  endeavoring  to  make 
arrangements  to  return  to  the  Indian  Countr}'^  and  think  I  shall 
succeed.  In  the  mean  time  I  have  offers  in  the  ice  buisness  from 
Mr.  Tudor  more  than  equal  to  anything  I  left  and  shall  close 
[vnth  him]  in  case  I  am  unable  to  succeed  i*'    the  other  project. 

If  you  will  advise  me  in  regard  to  answering  or  not  answering 
the  calumnies  and  lies  which  have  appean.y]i  since  I  left,  I  will 
take  your  advice  but  if  they  do  not  do  me  much  hurt  except  with 
strangers  I  am  strongly  inclined  to  say  nothing.  Two  reasons 
induce  to  this  that  my  time  is  too  much  occupied  is  one.  An- 
other is  that  some  exposures  of  character  of  near  relatives  might 
]>e  the  consequence  and  generally  in  such  matters  the  character  of 
the  individuals  at  last  govern  the  public  belief.  I  ask  your 
advice. 

I  found  all  well  here  and  now  I  have  been  here  a  few  days  I 
am  tired.  There  is  little  to  interest.  I  have  nothing  to  do  except 
making  preparations  to  go  and  I  begin  to  wish  them  done  that  I 
may  be  off. 

Please  give  my  respects  to  my  good  aunt.  Wife  likes  her  dress 
much  and  I  am  getting  my  pants,  made  up.  As  so<  ii  as  I  can 
conclude  what  I  shall  do  I  shall  write  you  in  full. 

Yr  Afte  Nephew     N.  J.  W. 


CVIII. 


[No  address  or  date.  ] 


To  Mr.  Henr>'  Hall  and  Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  (Boston) 

Gent.  Agreeable  to  arrangement  I  make  the  following  pro- 
posal, viz 

You  to  furnish  what  capital  is  wanted  to  fulfil  my  contract 
with  Sublette  &  Co.  and  the  sum  wanted  in  order  to  send  a  ves- 
sell  to  the  Columbia  river  with  goods  for  the  Fur  trade  and  ma- 
terials for  the  salmon  fishery  Interest  to  be  charged  and  credited 
before  any  dividend  of  profits  you  being  entitled  to  commissions 
on  buisness  done  here  2  }4  per  ct  on  disbursements  2  yi  per  ct 
Sales  and  guarantee  and  being  at  the  nsk  of  the  ultimate  loss  of 
the  buisness  if  any  should  occur.  I  will  then  engage  in  the  buis- 
ness for  such  time  as  may  be  agreed  on  you  being  bound  as  well 
as  myself  to  continue  the  buisness  during  such  time  and  make 
the  requisite  disbursements,  myself  having  the  entire  control  of 
the  buisness  in  the  Indian  country  and  on  the  Pacific.  Under  the 
above  terras  I  will  engage  in  the  undertaking  for  twenty  five  per 
ct.  of  the  profits  that  may  accrue.  The  risk  I  run  is  of  anj' 
remuneration  except  there  should  be  profits. 

Yrs  &c    N.  J.  W. 


i4o] 


WYRTirS    OREGON     IJXPEDITIONS. 


83 


CIX. 

Cambridge    Nov  19th     1833 
Mess  Von  Phull  &  McGill  (St.  Louis) 

Gent  The  enclosed  dupli- 
cate is  of  much  importance.  I  have  sent  it  to  you  in  order  to  be 
certain  that  Mr.  Milton  G.  Sublette  will  receive  it,  and  you  will 
much  oblige  me  by  putting  it  into  his  hands  if  possible,  otherwise 
send  it  by  as  certain  a  conveyance  as  you  can  find.  I  request 
that  you  will  be  careful  to  avoid  passing  it  through  the  hands  of 
his  brother  Wm.  L,.  Sublette. 

If  the  small  demands  whicn  I  gave  you  against  Mr.  Cerry  are 
paid  please  inform  me  of  the  same  if  they  are  not,  on  the  receipt 
of  this,  please  forward  them  to  Mess  Cripps  &  Wyeth  New  York. 
In  this  last  case  I  will  in  the  spring  call  oit  you  and  pay  the 
charges  that  have  been  incurred,  or  you  can  ask  them  of  Mr.  K. 
M.  Samuel  of  Liberty  Mo. 

l^Inclosing  the  following  letter  to  M.  G.  Sublette.) 

(Duplicate)    Orighial  sent  to  Sublette. 

Mr.  M.  G.  Sublette 

Sir  This  is  to  inform  you  that  I  am  now  ready 
to  fulfil  the  contract  made  with  Mr.  Fitzpatric  and  yourself  on 
the  14th  Augt  1833  at  Big  Horn  River  and  to  request  that  you 
will  as  soon  as  possible  come  to  N.  York  where  I  will  meet  you. 
If  by  letter  you  inform  me  when  you  will  be  there  please  use 
this  letter  as  an  introduction  to  my  Brother  of  the  firm  of  Cripps 
and  Wyeth  Pearl  St.  N  York  importers  of  Lace  goods,  and 
leave  wdth  him  directions  where  you  may  be  found.  I  particu- 
larly wish  to  .see  you  soon  as  I  am  about  dispatching  a  vessell 
round  Cape  Horn  to  the  mout[h]  of  the  Columbia  and  would  if 
pos.sible  wish  to  make  contract  to  supply  your  Co.  the  following 
year.  I  am  &c.     Nath.  J.  Wyeth 

ex. 

Cambridge     Nov  20th     1833 
[The  "20th"  is  written  over  a  "17th".] 
Bro.  Leond.  (N.  York) 

As  requested  I  enclose  note  to  St.  Felix  [for] 
$768.50  but  not  payable  to  his  order.  If  this  is  wrong  I  will 
alter.  I  shall  endeavor  to  have  the  matter  settled  as  you  propose 
in  regard  to  what  may  be  still  due  me  from  the  estate. 

The  proposal  in  your  letter  of  nth  inst.  I  deem  impracticable 
and  shall  not  attempt.  I  am  offered  much  better  than  when  I 
left  off  by  Mr.  Tudor  who  importunes  me  much  to  stay.  He  has 
made  $40000 —  since  I  left  which  includes  two  years  buisness. 
This  is  in  the  ice,  not  including  coffee  on  which  I  do  not  think 
he  will  realize  much.  In  a  few  days  I  shall  know  certainly  what 
I  shall  do  and  will  then  write  you  fully. 


«4 


CORRKSPONDKNCK: 


[141 


I 


Tell  the  little  ones  that  I  shall  send  by  the  first  opportunity 
some  small  books  for  them.     Perhaps  I  shall  be  in  N.  York  soon. 

Keep  me  as  well  informed  as  possible  of  any  variation  that  may 
take  place  in  furs  this  in  order  to  appear  at  home  on  the  subject. 

Yr.  Afte.  Bro.     N.  J.  W. 

CXI. 

[No  address.]  Nov  17th     1833 
Mes.s.  J.  Baker  &  Son 

Gent  Below  you  have  an  estimate  of  the 
furs  brot.  in  by  the  way  of  St.  Louis  for  1832  and  3.  I  have 
marked  those  which  I  have  seen.  The  rest  are  from  information 
which  is  as  nearly  correct  as  is  requisite  "for  your  purpose.  These 
furs  are  Beaver  and  otter,  Land,  about  1-20  of  the  latter. 
I  am  Yr.  obt.  Servt.    Nathl  J  Wyeth 

90  packs  from  St.  Fee 
Seen-  30  Am.  Fur  Cos.   party  in  the  Mts.   under  Dripps  and 

Fontenelle 
Seen- 140  Rocky  Mt.  Fur  Co.  brOt  home  by  Wm.  L.  Sublette 

120  Traded  by  the  Am.  Fur  Co.  at  their  posts  on  the  Mis- 
— —  souri  (Astors  Co.) 
380  packs  of  100  lbs.  ea.  1832. 

Seen-  62  Am.  Fur  Cos.  party  under  Dripps  and   Fontenelle  in 

Mts. 
Seen-  61  Rocky  Mtn.  Fur  Co  brot  home  by  Wm.  L.  Sublette 
Seen-  30  Bonneville  &  Co  brot  home  by  Cerry   to  Alfred  Seaton 
N.  York. 
90  Am.  Fur  Co  Traded  at  their  posts  on  the  Mi&souri 
60  probably  from  St.  Fee  returns  not  made  when  I  left  St. 
Louis. 

303 
The  above  are  nearly  all   that  came  into  the   western   States 
From  the  Arkansas  and   the  Mississippi   few  Beaver  are  brot 
and  whatever  the  quantity  may  be  it  must  decrease  yearly. 

CXI  I. 

Boston     Nov.  20th     1833 
To  Geo.  Simson  Esq 

Sir  Since  my  last  from  Baltimore  dated  Oct. 
26th  1833  I  have  ascertained  that  there  was  still  time  to  forward 
a  vessell  to  the  Columbia  to  reach  there  by  first  of  the  salmon 
season  and  a  vessell  is  now  in  a  state  of  forwardness  for  this  pur- 
pose, consequently  all  further  negotiations  for  the  present  are  at 
an  end  in  regard  lo  this  subject.  Had  I  been  sure  that  you  would 
have  accepted  I  would  have  entered  into  no  other  arrangement 
but  uncertain  of  this  I  could  not  let  the  opportunity  pass.  I  re- 
gret that  I  have  troubled  you  so  much  in  this  matter. 
I  am  Yr.  Obt.  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 


142] 


WYETH'S  ORKGON  KXPEDITIONS. 


85 


Supplement  to  letter  of  20th  inst.  to  Leond  I  Wyeth  N.York 
[No.  CX]  enclosed  in  same  sheet  at  same  time  viz  To  day  the  thing 
is  closed,  the  vessell  to  be  sent  round  the  Horn  at  once.  In  the 
concern  I  have  no  risk  further  than  I  take  stock.  Have  the  full 
management  out  there  and  one  fourth  of  all  profits.  I  take  one 
eighth  of  the  stock  }i  still  open.  Stock  20000$  they  to  provide 
for  the  remaining  }i  if  no  one  offers  on  my  part.  Tis  a  bad  bar- 
gain but  the  best  that  I  could  do.  I  shall  be  in  N.  York  soon. 
Please  forward  the  accompanying  letter  by  the  first  Packett. 

Yr  afte  bro.     N.  J.  W. 

CXIII. 

Cambridge     Nov  20th     1833 
Bro.  Charles  (Baltimore) 

It  is  now  a  matter  settled  that  I  go  again 
to  the  Pacific.  A  concern  is  made  up  here  to  invest  $20000.  I 
have  for  my  services  one  quarter  of  all  profits  and  no  risk. 
So  far  I  have  the  liberty  of  taking  one  quarter  of  the  stock.  I 
have  taken  one  eighth  there  is  still  one  eighth  open  which  the 
partners  here  provide  for  in  case  I  do  not  meet  it.  I  am  to 
have  the  entire  control  qf  the  buisness  in  the  Indian  Country  and 
on  the  Pacific.  I  shall  give  up  all  your  liabilities.  No  new  ones 
will  be  asked  of  you  but  you  must  give  $1000  before  the  ist  March. 
If  you  can  do  this  my  )4  is  provide[d]  for.  Please  give  me  your 
answer  soon,  and  let  it  be  yes.  Shall  be  in  N.York  soon  and  will 
write  you  at  what  time  in  order  to  meet  you  there  if  you  can 
come. 

Yr.  Aft.  Bro.  N.  J.  W. 

CXIV. 

Cambridge    Nov  31th     1833 
Leond  Jarvis  Esq  (Ba[l]to.) 

Dear  Uncle  On  my  return  from  a 
journey  eastward  I  found  your  very  acceptable  fav.  of  17th  inst. 
In  regard  to  the  matter  on  which  I  asked  advice  I  am  happ>  to 
find  that  we  agree.  I  did  not  ask  your  advice  because  I  had  any 
doubts  as  to  the  best  course  to  pursue  but  because  it  was  a  matter 
in  which  the  feelings  of  my  friends  were  more  concerned  than  my 
own.  Had  you  advised  different  your  advice  would  have  been 
followed  because  I  think  one  who  has  done  so  much  for  the  re- 
spectability of  his  family  has  a  right  to  b:?  consulted  in  such  mat- 
ters. You  say  to  all  whose  opinions  you  value  on  proper  occa- 
sions vindicate  your  self.  I  value  your  good  opinion  much  and 
will  therefore  explain  a  few  circumstances  of  which  Bells  letters 
treat.  John  Wyeth  tells  many  lifi/e  lies  but  they  are  of  not  much 
consequence.  In  Bells  first  letter  to  S.  K.  Livermore  he  says  "One 
landing  was  at  Point  Comfort.  Here  our  Captain  was  determined 
to   make   up   lost   time,    and   accordingly     treated   himself  and 


86 


CORRESPONDENCE: 


tM3 


ll 

si, I 


some  of  the  companj'  very  liberally  to  champaigiie  and  the  usual 
effects  of  intemperate  drinking  succeeded."  I  deny  none  of  these 
facts,  but  I  deny  the  intended  inference.  Some  of  the  men  were 
worse  of  what  they  drank  and  Bell  much  more  drunk  than  any  other. 
If  Bell  had  told  that  he  threw  a  handker'^hief  full  of  eggs  from 
the  pier  into  the  boat,  or  that  I  ste[e]red  the  boat  to  the  vessell 
through  a  thick  fogg  about  three  miles  with  nothing  to  guide 
me  but  the  stars  he  would  have  told  the  truth  and  the  inference 
would  have  been  somewhat  plainer  who  "'exhibited  the  effects  of  in- 
temperate drinking".  Beside  this  it  is  nonsense  to  suppose  I  had 
any  lost  time  to  make  up.  If  I  had  had  such  a  strong  disposition 
to  loose  no  time  in  drinking  I  might  have  carried  a  plenty  of  liquor 
with  me.  The  fact  that  I  carried  some  shews  that  there  was  no 
very  strong  desire  for  it.  The  facts  out  of  which  this  very  pop- 
ular story  was  made  are  these.  After  a  long  and  squally 
voyage  during  which  most  of  the  men  had  been  sea  sick  and  had 
lived  very  poor  on  salt  beef  and  pork,  we  anchored  off  old  Point 
Comfort  and  I  went  ashore  with  some  five  or  six  of  the  men  to 
procure  some  oysters  eggs  &c.  I  ordered  a  supper  for  those  with 
me  and  after  supper  I  think  two  Bttles  of  Champagne  and  one  of 
Made[i]ra  were  drank  and  I  believe  some  ardent  spirit.  Afterward 
the  landlord  treated  to  some  more  I  presume  on  ace.  of  the  r  Jvel- 
ty  of  the  Enterprise  or  some  slight  acquaintance  with  myself. 
Having  got  what  stores  I  could  for  those  on  board  and  seeinir  that 
the  frolic  had  gone  far  enough  I  returned  on  board  with  no  more 
wine  in  mj'  head  than  I  have  carried  from  your  table.  The  an- 
swer to  what  Bell  says  of  promises  about  purchase  of  Horses  is  all 
a  lie.  I  never  verbally  or  otherwise  engaged  to  make  other  provis- 
ion than  what  I  might  deem  suitable  and  proper.  All  discression 
in  this  matter  was  reserved  to  myself  by  agreement,  and  the  fact 
that  they  started  is  proof,  that  I  did  not.  Can  one  man  com- 
pel 24  men  to  go  with  him  against  their  will,  and  would  the 
men  have  started  if  I  had  broken  my  promises  in  the  manner  stat- 
ed, or  would  they  have  gone  at  all  if  the  equipment  was  evident- 
ly insufficient.  The  fact  is  that  no  other  idea  was  ever  held  up 
to  them  except  that  of  marching.  If  this  was  not  the  case  why 
did  they  march  across  the  Aleganys.  S.  K.  Livermore  well 
knows  this,  for  with  him  I  corresponded  on  the  subject  of  Thomas 
learning  music  for  marching  and  in  my  letters  to  him  dated  Jany 
23d  &  Feb  6th  1832  of  which  I  have  copy  he  will  have  the  same 
expressed,  the  same  in  regard  to  hunting  dresses  &c.  Tis  all  a  lie 
that  I  made  any  promises  on  these  subjects.  The  agreement 
states  that  the  party  shall  be  provided  in  the  usual  way  and  man- 
ner of  trading  parties,  and  this  I  can  prove.  Bell  states  that 
Weeks  expressing  a  determination  not  to  go  I  compelled  him  by 
put[t]ing  him  under  arrest  and  afterward  let  him  off  on  paying 
over  to  me  all  the  money  he  had,  and  adds  "leaving  him   almost 


U4] 


\VYKTII\S    ORROON     KXPKDITIONS. 


87 


destitute  of  means  to  accomplish  his  return"  he  might   have  said 
quite,  if  the  first  part  of  the  statement  was  true. 

The  tacts  were  these.  The  day  before  I  left  the  last  of  the  set- 
tlements I  sent  John  Wyeth  with  a  yoke  of  oxen  and  some  sheep 
out  to  horse  guard.  He  returned  near  night  stating  that  the 
sheep  strayed,  and  that  he  tied  the  oxen,  and  went  after  them, 
but  when  he  returned  they  had  broke  loose  and  he  could  nowhere 
find  them.  I  suspected  all  was  not  right,  and  sent  a  man  to  the 
place  with  John.  This  man  returned  and  told  me  that  John  could 
shew  no  place  where  cattle  had  been  tied,  such  place  he  would 
have  known  by  the  tracks  (before  morning  they  [were]  found 
tied  in  a  different  direction)  About  this  time  Thomas  Liver- 
more  told  me  that  Johns  gun  was  not  in  camp.  1  had  the 
men  called  to  arras.  When  it  was  discovered  that  Weeks  and 
John  Wyeth  had  no  equipments  they  we[re]  called  upon  to  pro- 
duce them,  and  refused.  I  put  them  under  guard,  and  a  short 
time  afterward  Weeks  offered  to  go  and  get  them,  and  while  out 
attempted  to  escape  from  the  man  sent  with  him,  but  finally 
produced  the  equipments.  In  the  morning  the  Company  was 
called  together.  I  stated  to  them  that  I  had  no  power  to  release 
any  of  the  parties  to  our  compact,  that  in  regard  to  John  he  be- 
ing a  minor  having  been  put  under  my  charge  by  his  father  and 
having  no  means  of  satisfying  the  concern  for  the  expenses  in- 
curred on  his  ace.  I  should  carry  him  on,  but  this  I  would  pro- 
pose that  Weeks  should  be  released  provided  that  he  would  in- 
demnify for  expenses  incurred  by  the  concern  over  and  above 
what  he  had  paid  in.  This  passed  by  a  vote  according  to  form, 
and  by  vote  also  it  was  provided  that  he  might  be  released  by 
paying  $40  and  keep  his  cloths  and  equipments,  which  were  Co. 
property.  This  Weeks  at  first  refused  to  do.  I  then  told  him 
that  he  should  go  if  I  tied  him  to  the  tail  of  a  horse.  Soon  after 
he  paid  the  $40  and  was  released.  The  whole  buisness  was  done 
by  vote  of  the  Co.  and  at  the  time  recorded  by  the  clerk  of  the 
same.  Now  if  the  Co.  as  Bell  says  had  been  deceived  and  abused 
could  one  man  have  exercised  such  control  over  them.  The  fact 
is  that  the  Co.  generally  felt  much  insenced  at  this  attemp[tj  at 
desertion  and  secconded  me  fully  and  strongly  in  punishing  it. 
The  companion  of  Bells  desertion,  was  the  person  who  informed 
against  those  fellows  viz.  Livermore.  In  regard  to  the  arbitrary 
conduct  during  the  twelve  days  which  Bell  remained  with  me  after 
this,  I  have  only  to  say  that  I  expected  implicit  obf^dience  to  my 
orders  and  was  determined  to  enforce  it  at  all  hazards.  Notice 
was  given  that  those  who  lagged  behind  would  be  put  on 
guard.  They  lagged  to  get  rid  of  some  work  which  Is  always 
to  be  done  immediately  on  reaching  camp,  and  those  who 
avoided  this  labor  I  thought  ought  of  right  to  make  coiupensa- 
tion  by  doing  some  other.     Jacob  was  once  put  on  guard  for  this 


CORRKSPONDKXCR: 


[145 


"s  * 


offence.  Livermore  might  have  been  but  I  do  not  reccoUect  it. 
It  was  the  buisness  of  any  one  sick  or  disabled  to  report  himself 
to  the  Doct.  and  after  examination  he  was  entitled  [to]  and  re- 
ceived any  indulgence  that  the  circumstances  of  the  party  would 
allow.  Livermore  complained  of  his  feet  once.  I  required  to  ex- 
amine them,  he  refused  and  said  his  word  was  enough.  I  did 
not  think  so,  and  required  him  to  do  the  same  duty  as  the  others. 
I  had  before  experienced  much  impudence  from  Livermore.  He 
at  one  time  told  me,  I  lied.  I  told  him  to  prepare  himself  to  re- 
turn home  from  the  next  landing  for  that  he  should  go  no  fur- 
ther with  me.  Before  we  got  to  the  next  landing  he  came  and 
expressed  a  willingness  to  go  before  the  whole  Co.  and  make  an 
apology.  After  this  the  matter  was  overlooked.  His  conduct 
was  always  bad.  The  night  before  we  left  Boston  he  and  Bell 
were  out  all  night  and  said  they  slept  at  a  friends  in  Boston. 
When  we  arrived  at  Baltimore  Bell  had  a  dapp  and  this  was  the 
reason  that  he  rode  over  the  mountains  at  my  expense.  He  takes 
care  to  tell  none  of  these  things  and  this  was  the  tyranny  to 
which  he  was  subjected.  Livermore  spent  on  this  trip  beside  the 
$50  which  his  father  gave  him  for  his  outfit  near  $50  which  he 
borrowed  on  various  pretences  of  me,  and  something  which  you 
gave. 

["Insert  here  the  Postscript"  Is  written   acro&s  the  beginning 
of  the  following  paragraph.] 

The  suggestions  in  your  letter  concerning  family  quarrels  pre- 
vented me  sending  to  Mr  Livermore  a  letter  which  I  had 
written  not  in  anger  but  in  a  spirit  of  just  rebuke  for  what  I  con- 
sider great  meanness.  I  allude  to  his  suffering  a  letter  written  to 
Bell  to  be  published  and  Bells  letters  to  be  addressed  to  him.  If 
these  things  were  done  without  his  consent  he  should  have  dis- 
claim[ed]  them,  but  he  has  aided  in  the  dissemination  of  them  and 
thereby  made  it  a  positive  consent  instead  of  an  implyed  one.  I 
cannot  overlook  that  as  far  as  he  is  able  he  has  assisted  to  get  up 
an  impression  against  me,  when  I  had  no  chance  to  rebut  it.  If 
on  the  one  hand  I  withhold  an  expression  of  my  feelings  for  the 
course  he  has  pursued  on  the  other  I  shall  withhold  all  explana- 
tions of  things  concerning  which  he  might  otherwise  have  en- 
quired. I  have  enquired  for  Kendal  at  the  Stables  and  Taverns, 
he  appears  not  to  be  known  at  either  place.  My  impres- 
sion is  favorable  to  him  I  hope  he  will  turn  out  well, 
as  much  that  you  may  get  the  suitable  reward  of  your 
exertions  for  him  as  for  his  own  good.  la  regard  to  my  own 
plans  I  say  that  I  would  now  entirely  change  my  plan  of  life  and 
as  old  as  I  am  not  deem  success  unatanable,  could  I  once  convince 
myself  that  my  talents  are  as  good  as  you  seem  to  believe  they  are 
but  in  this  matter  every  man  must  judge  of  himself  and  make  up 
his  own  mind  as  to  what  he  is  most  fitted  for.  I  have  never  al- 
lowed myself  to  abandon  any  serious  project  that  I  had  formed. 


146] 


WYETH'S  OREGON  EXPEDITIONS 


89 


Pursuant  to  this  plan  of  life  I  have  urged  on  from  the  beginning 
this  western  enterprise  and  I  shall  give  it  up  only  when  I  am 
convinced  I  am  destitute  [of]  the  means  to  pursue  it.  I  have  ob- 
tained the  means  of  pursuing  it  and  by  relinquishing  too  much  of 
the  profit  I  have  avoided  responsibility  beyond  such  extent  as  I 
am  able  to  meet. 

Please  give  my  respects  to  my  good  aunt  and  accept  for  your- 
self the  best  wishes  of — 

[Subscription  written  but  crossed  out.] 

Postscript  inserted  in  the  body  of  the  letter. 

In  regard  to  the  fitness  o  the  arrangements  for  the  voyage 
There  were  purchased  34  animals.  There  were  19  loads  of  goods 
leaving  15  spare  animals,  beside  two  that  were  individual  prop- 
erty  and  24  persons  started.  I  call  all  animals  loaded  with  pro- 
visions spare  ones  becauste]  in  less  than  20  days  they  would  all  be 
released  from  their  loads.  If  the  men  had  took  good  care  of  the 
animals  they  could  have  rode  half  of  the  way  but  instead  of  this 
they  lost  or  stole  two  horses  before  they  lef[t]  the  settlements. 
Livermore  stole  three  and  I  killed  one  more  in  trying  to  overtake 
him.  Beside  this  some  who  were  fearful  to  go  on  and  disliked  to 
back  out  endeavored  to  ruin  the  expedition  by  ruining  the  horses. 
Tin  pots  and  picketts  have  been  found  under  the  pack  saddles  and 
the  backs  of  many  of  the  animals  were  soon  ruined  and  in  conse- 
quence we  were  all  on  foot  except  the  sick  or  disabled  or  those 
who  were  hunting.  It  is  not  true  that  I  rode  the  day  before 
lyivermore  and  others  deserted.  That  day  myself  and  Mr.  Buck[?] 
went  out  to  hunt  on  foot.  This  fact  I  distinctly  recollect  from 
having  found  a  horse  that  day.  The  day  that  they  deserted  I 
rode  the  newly  found  horse  to  hunt  and  being  out  of  camp  and 
able  to  go  ahead  of  the  party  they  were  enabled  to  effect  their 
intention,  a  thing  they  would  not  have  dared  attemp[t]  had  I 
been  in  camp.  The  provisions  carried  with  the  party  wer[e]  one 
chest  Tea  pepper  and  salt,  Corn  meal  450  lbs.  Bacon  one  yoke  ox- 
en sixteen  sheep  this  to  last  until  we  should  reach  the  Buffa- 
loe  country  which  we  did  in  22  da  vs. 

N  J   W 

CXV. 

Cambridge     Dec  2d     1832 
Bro  Perry 

Your  very  acceptable  fav.  of  25th  ulto  is  at  hand.  In 
regard  to  what  I  propose  now  I  answer  the  same  as  at  first  viz. 
to  make  money  out  of  the  fur  trade.  So  far  I  have  lost  some 
money  and  have  gained  some  experience  and  hope  yet  to  make 
out.  Am  now  fitting  out  a  Bg.  to  go  round  the  Horn  to  Bring 
out  some  goods  and  bring  home  a  cargo  of  Salmon,  ist  March 
next  I  shall  go  to  St.  Louis  and  start  overland  again  with  some 
goods  which  I  have  contracted  to  deliver  to  a  concern  in  the  mts. 


90 


corrrspondrncf:: 


[»47 


^1 


with  the  furs  received  for  these  go  [on]  to  the  mouth  of  the  Col- 
umbia and  send  them  home  by  my  Brig  take  the  goods  which 
she  has  brought  out,  and  up  again  to  the  mountains  exchange 
goods  for  furs  employ  residue  of  year  in  trapping  Beaver  until 
salmon  season  (ha\i'iig  left  men  making  barrels  through  the  win- 
ter) This  done  another  vessell  comes  by  arrangement  takes  the 
salmon  and  collections  of  the  year.  I  take  of  her  more  goods  and 
so  the  same  round  again.  I  take  across  the  land  about  40  men 
hired  at  the  west  men  here  will  not  do.  I  am  of  your  opinion 
about  Bells  letters  and  shall  not  notice  them.  I  have  not  written 
to  S.  K.  Livermore  but  consider  his  conduct  as  dishonorable. 
The  letters  were  addressed  to  him  by  his  consent,  because  he  cir- 
culated them  and  has  not  said  publicly  that  they  had  not  his  con- 
sent. I  shall  not  give  him  any  explanation  in  the  buisness  and 
consider  he  has  forfeited  ail  claim  to  it.  If  horse  stealing  is  a 
crime  anywhere  it  was  under  the  circumstances  that  Bell  and 
others  did  it.  I  would  prosecute  if  it  were  not  for  Ivivermore.  I  had 
never  any  connection  with  H.  J.  Kelley  farther  than  that  I  might 
have  gone  in  company  with  him  if  he  had  gone  in  season  but  I 
had  no  view  farther  than  trade  at  any  time.  I  will  not  meet  you 
half  way.  I  wish  to  see  the  wife  and  young  ones.  I  shall  if  I 
can  possibly  find  time  come  all  the  way  and  bring  wife  but  this  is 
uncertain.  I  have  been  East  and  go  to  N.  York  soon.  After 
my  Brig  is  off  may  have  a  little  leisure  time.  The  Review  I  can 
not  send  as  I  know  of.  If  I  do  please  send  it  back  again  as  soon 
as  you  can  as  it  v;ill  be  a  part  of  a  sett.  I  mail  this  with  all  of 
Balls  letters  which  I  have  and   they  contain  the  whole  I  believe. 

Y  &c     N.  J.  W. 

■   CXVI. 

Cambridge    Dec  4th     1833 
Mess  Samuel  &  More 

Gent  Kncloserl  you  have  an  order  on  Mess. 
Von  Phul  and  McGill  St. Louis  for  whatever  ballance  may  be  due 
me  with  them. 

In  pursuance  of  the  plan  about  which  I  spoke  to  you  you  will 
oblige  me  by  commencing  to  purchase  mules  and  horses.  The 
first  I  am  most  anxious  to  get.  60  of  each  at  least  will  be  wanted. 
As  fast  as  you  get  the  animals  have  them  put  under  the  charge  of 
some  suitable  person  and  kept  together.  You  will  of  course  ex- 
ercise your  judgement  whether  in  regard  to  the  question  the  cost 
of  buying  now  and  feeding  until  spring  will  be  more  than  purchas- 
ing at  once  when  we  want  them,  and  whether  we  could  collect  so 
many  animals  at  a  moments  warning. 

The  amt.  due  me  if  draft  has  been  paid  from  Mess.  Von 
Phul  and  McGill  is  about  $400  on  which  please  commence  to  pur- 
chase animals  as  you  can  meet  with  them  cheap,  and  in  the 
mean  time  please  designate   where  we  can  place  funds  for  further 


"^"''''*1litiii'''^ff*'il^"^ 


148] 


WYKTH'S    OREGON     KXPKniTIONvS. 


»« 


purchase  of  these  animals.  N.  York  or  N.  Orleans  will  be  con- 
venient to  us.  On  this  suDJect  please  address  yourself  to  Mess. 
Tucker  and  Williams  Boston. 

I  am  Yr  Obt  Servt     N.  J.  Wyeth 

CXVII. 

Mess  Von  Phul  &  McGill 

Gent  Any  funds  of  mine  which  may 
be  in  your  hands  on  the  receipt  of  this  please  hand  over  to  Mess 
Samuel  and  More  of  Liberty  Missouri  and  oblige 

Yr  Obt  Servt     Nathl  J.  Wyeth. 
Boston     Dec  4th     1833 

CXVIII. 

Cambridge     Dec  9th    1837, 
Mr  Jas  Worthington  (Flonsante  Co  Missouri) 

Dear  Sir  I  shall  be  going  to  the  Mts.  as  early  next  spring  as 
the  grass  will  permit  and  shall  be  glad  of  your  company  with  as 
many  persons  as  you  may  have  with  you  and  such  goods  as  you 
may  choose  to  carry.  I  shall  have  a  vessell  sail  for  the  mouth  of 
the  Columbia  in  about  ten  days  with  goods  and  if  you  should  fol- 
low the  buisness  of  Beaver  catching  I  do  not  doubt  that  I  could 
hereafter  supply  you  with  goody  in  the  Mts.  much  cheaper  than 
you  could  pack  them  up  yourself. 

You  will  know  my  movements  from  Mr.  K.  M.  Samuel  of  Lib- 
ertv.     In  the  mean  time  I  remain 

Yr.  Obt.  Servt.     N.  J.  Wyeth. 

If  you  write  direct  to  Cambridge  Massachusetts. 

CXIX. 

Cambridge     Dec.  9th     1833 
Bro.  Charles  (Baltimore) 

Your  very  acceptable  fav.  of  the  26th  ulto. 
is  at  hand  and  would  have  been  answered  sooner  bui  I  have  been 
down  East  and  could  not.  You  say  that  you  will  let  me  have 
the  $1000  dont  fail  me  on  any  aco.  as  serious  inconvenience  would 
be  the  consequence.  Your  understanding  of  the  foundation  of 
the  present  exi>edition  is  correct.  I  can  take  no  further  risk  than 
the  one  eighth.  I  may  risk  my  life  but  will  not  risk  loosing  so 
much  as  that  with  health  and  industry  I  can  retrieve  myself.  I 
will  go  the  whole  Hogg  no  further  than  this. 

I  shall  be  in  N.  York  soon  but  shall  be  there  again  in  Febru- 
ary, and  as  you  think  it  will  not  be  convenient  to  you  to  see  me 
there  I  will  not  expect  to  see  you  until  Feb. 

I  diflFer  with  you  as  to  the  notice  in  the  Courier  it  is  not  sharp 
enough  to  cut.  I  have  taken  the  advice  of  Mr.  Jarvis  and  to  all 
that  has  been  said  I  shall  answer  nothing  and  shall  let  character 
determine  mens  minds. 


9» 


CORRKSI'ONnKXCi:: 


[M9 


I  have  noi  the  least  reason  to  find  fault  with  Leonard  and  per- 
haps in  the  end  he  will  be  the  lietter  able  to  render  assistance 
than  now,  and  I  am  more  in  want  of  it.  I  have  now  many  of- 
fers to  take  part  in  this  enterprise  over  and  above  what  I  can  use 
and  all  that  makes  it  rcciuLsite  for  me  to  take  any  of  the  stock  is 
to  shew  confidence  in  it.  We  have  lx)ugbt  a  fine  new  Brig  and 
she  is  nearly  ready  for  sea. 

In  regard  to  the  arrangement  of  the  matters  between  Jonas  i.nd 
father  I  do  not  believe  that  I  can  lietter  them.  They  are  now  on 
good  terms  and  Father  does  not  wish  any  thing  to  be  done.  Quar- 
rel they  will  more  or  less  under  any  circumstances.  I  do  not 
think  Jonas  has  done  as  well  by  the  place  as  he  could  but  he  or 
any  one  else  would  have  a  hard  task  to  prevent  all  mischief  to 
the  trees  during  times  of  hi'rry.  Contrary  to  what  you  fear  I 
found  things  as  well  here  as  such  matters  can  well  l)e  after  what 
has  passed.  I  turn  from  home  and  friends  only  because  I  have 
not  yet  done  what  I  have  undertaken. 

I  have  been  very  buisy  and  cannot  write  you  as  much  at  length 
as  I  could  wish  but  perhaps  I  shall  be  more  at  leisure  after  the 
vessell  is  off  and  do  not  be  affronted  if  I  serve  ray  best  friends 
worst.  "Whom  the  L,ord  lovethhechasteneth."  I  have  written  a 
long  letter  to  Mr.  Jarvis  on  the  subject  of  the  statements  that  have 
been  made  by  the  deserters  and  if  Mr.  Jarvis  pleases  he  can  shew 
it  you.  Brother  Perr>'  advised  me  not  to  notice  Bell  at  all,  as  his 
character  would  not  entitle  him  to  credit  at  home.  Give  my  re- 
spects to  your  good  wife.  I  am  sorry  for  her  complaint  but  can 
suggest  no  remedy.     Remind  me  to  the  little  ones. 

I  am  Yr.  Afte.  Bro.     N.  J.  Wyeth 

cxx. 

Cambridge     Dec  9th     1833 
Hon  I^vvis  Cass.  (Washtn) 

Dear  Sir  Accompanying  you  have  an 
introductory  note  from  Genl.  Ashley.  The  object  of  addressing 
you  is  this.  There  are  west  of  the  Mts.  many  gentlemen  and  ser- 
vants of  the  Hudsons  Bay  Co  who  have  Indian  wives  and  fami- 
lies and  who  are  desirous  of  retiring  from  active  life  but  they  can 
not  well  mingle  in  society  as  it  is  constituted  in  0.  Britain  or  the 
U.  States.  They  wish  to  locate  themselves  on  the  Wallammet  or 
Multnomah  River,  a  river  coming  from  the  south  into  the  Colum- 
bia. They  express  themselves  indifferent  as  to  which  Govt,  they 
may  come  under.  There  are  now  on  this  river  nine  families  of 
Trappers  who  have  good  farms.  An  answer  to  the  following  que- 
ries or  an  expression  of  opinion  from  so  high  a  source  in  regard  to 
them  would  be  very  acceptable  to  a  class  of  men  who  are  at  a  loss 
to  know  where  they  may  best  spend  the  remnant  of  lives  of  toil 
and  danger.     Viz 

ist  To  what  extent  may  they  take  upland. 


i.sol 


WYKTH'S    ORKOON     liXPEDITIONS. 


93 


2d  What  price  will  be  demanded  pr  acre  if  the  Am.  Govt, 
should  take  possession  of  the  country'. 

3d  Can  they  he  sure  that  they  will  be  allowed  to  keep  posses- 
sion at  any  price. 

4th  If  they  are  not  allowed  to  keep  the  land  will  any  allow- 
ance be  made  for  improvements. 

I  shall  go  early  in  the  spring  to  the  country  west  of  the  Mts. 
and  would  be  pleased  to  communicate  any  assurance  or  opinion 
which  you  may  do  me  the  honor  to  give  on  this  subject. 

I  should  be  happy  to  impart  any  information  of  which  I  may 
he  possessed  to  the  Govt,  if  it  is  deemed  desirable. 

With  Great  Respect  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

Yr  Oht  vServt.     Nathl  J  Wyeth 
Hon  Lewis  Cass      i 
Secty.  of  War      S 
Washington      1 

CXXI. 

Boston     Dec  loth     1833 
Mess.  Thomas  C.  Rockhill  &  Co  (Philad) 

Gent  Above  you  have 
draft  for  Seventy  Nine  dollars  and  Seventy  Five  cents  which 
please  place  to  the  Cr  of  Mess  Samuel  and  More  of  Liberty  Mo.  of 
which  plea.se  inform  them  and  receipt  for  the  same  in  my  fav.  to 
them  and  oblige  Yr.  Obt.  Servt.     X.  J.  Wyeth. 

CXXIl. 

Cambridge     Dec  12th     1833 
Bro  Leond.  (N  York) 

Yours  of  9th  inst  is  received.  In  regard  to 
calculations  about  vessell  &c  will  run  over  them  with  you  soon 
and  personally. 

Good  did  quite  right  in  regard  to  the  draft  which  you  say  has 
l)een  shewn  you  Drawn  by  Abbot  fav.  of  Sublette  &  Campbell  on 
M.  G.  Sublette  to  be  charged  to  me.  Abbot  is  much  my  debtor, 
has  never  had  any  authority  to  draw  on  me,  but  had  authority  to 
take  up  money  of  Mess.  Samuel  &  More  and  Wyeth  &  Norrisand 
them  only  and  of  both  he  took  up  money  and  some  more  of  me. 
W^hen  he  arrived  here  two  days  since,  he  never  mentioned  to  me 
any  thing  of  this  transaction.  He  is  now  gone.  There  must 
be  something  irregular  in  this  buisness.  A.  has  been  gaming. 
I  shall  not  pay  unless  some  shadow  of  an  obligation  can  be  shewn 
why  I  should.  I  can  conceive  none  which  can  be  made  to  ap- 
pear in  this  case. 

•    I  regret  to  say  I  have   not   seen    Mr.  Osgood  and  do  not  know 
where  to  find  him  oth'jrwise   should  not  fail  to  call  and  see  him. 


94 


CORR  RSPON  DKN'C  K: 


[«5t 


I'i 


I  am  waiting  for  Capt.  Lambert  who  has  gone  to'see  his  family 
expect  him  ever>'  minute.  When  he  comes  shall  leave  directly 
for  vour  citj^  in  order  to  purchase  goods,  and  as  vou  say 

All  well.  N.  J.  Wyeth. 

CXXIII. 

N  York     Dec  i8th     1833 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  Boston 

Gent  Arrived  here  on  the  i6th 
I  can  find  no  callico  shirts  here.  200  are  wanted  which  you  had 
best  set  making  as  soon  as  possible.  Figures  are  wanted  but 
stripes  will  do  if  the  other  cannot  be  had.  Let  the  colors  be 
bright  and  the  stile  gav. 

Vr  Obt  vServt.     N  J  Wyeth 

cxxiv. 

N.  York     Dec.  iSth     1833 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  Boston 

Gent  I  have  completed  pur- 
chases all  except  Scarlett  cloths  or  stronds  of  which  there  are 
none  in  this  place.  You  will  have  to  pick  up  what  you  can  to 
cost  not  more  than  1.80  per  yd.  From  5  to  10  pieces  must  do. 
We  cannot  buy  many  at  this  rate.  If  nothing  better  can  be  found 
Scarlett  Duffle  must  be  used.  One  Bale  Blue  Am.  sheetings  one 
unbleached,  still  wanted.  I  do  not  find  them  here,  so  you  can 
buy  them  if  you  can  find  them. 

I  am  yr.  obt.  Ser\'t     Nathl  J  Wyeth 

CXXV. 

>«  York     Dec  19th     1833 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  Boston 

Gent.  I  write  to  apprise  you 
that  no  vessell  can  sail  before  Saturday  for  Boston  which  will 
give  you  a  little  more  time.  Still  no  scarlett  stronds  except 
about  2  pieces  at  1.75  pr  5'd.  Shall  find  amt.  of  bill  in  order  to 
insure  as  soon  as  possible. 

Yrs  &c     N.  J.  Wyeth 

[An  illegible  P.  vS.  of  four  words.] 

CXXVI. 

N.  York     Dec.  20th     1833 
Mess.  Samuel  &  More 

Gent.  I  am  here  purchasing  goods  to  send 
round  the  Horn  by  a  vessell,  and  have  not  yet  had  the  time  to 
make  the  arrangements  proposed  in  your  letter  of  Nov.  6th  with 
Mess  T.  C.  Rockhill  &  Co  nevertheless  you  will  oblige  by  pro- 
ceeding to  purchase  Horses  and  mules  to  any  extent  you 
deem  prudent  not  exceeding  the  directions  contained  in  my  letter 
of  4th  inst.     Also  to  engage  30  men   to  leave  your  rountrj'  in 


«52] 


WYRTH'vS  OREGON  KXPRDITIONS. 


95 


last  of  April  and  first  of  May  next  and  for  i  >2  years.  Engage 
none  but  those  you  think  good  men.  At  my  first  opportunity  on 
returning  to  Boston  I  will  forwd,  to  you  a  form  of  agreement  with 
the  men  and  also  complete  an  arrangement  with  Mess.  Rockhill 
&  Co.  by  which  funds  will  be  placed  to  your  Cr.  as  fast  as  you 
expend  it  in  the  purchase  of  animals. 

You  can  engage  at  the  lowest  possible  rates  35  riding  saddles 
(Spaiii  jh)  These  are  for  the  men  and  should  be  of  the  cheaj^ 
kiiid  without  any  finer>'  about  them,  then  6  of  a  superior  sort  for 
7is  gentlemen  \i\x\.%\})i\  wot  expensive  but  good  and  plain.  The 
residue  of  the  harness  I  will  have  made  here  and  bring  it  on  with 
me. 

I  have  to  request  that,  if  you  can  find  Sublette,  you  will  urge 
that  he  come  here  sooner  than  Feb.  he  ought  to  come  at  once 
and  not  leave  the  purchasing  of  his  goods  to  the  last  minute. 
Write  to  him  to  this  effect  if  you  know  where  he  is  and  represent 
to  him  that  these  goods  should  leave  N.  York  or  Boston  by  the 
20th  Feb.  in  order  to  be  at  the  upper  settlements  in  time  for  an 
early  start.  I  am  &c     N.  J.  Wyeth. 

CXXVII. 

N.  York     Dec  20th     1833 
Mr.  M.  G.  Sublette   St  Louis 

Dear  Sir  Not  having  heard  from 
you  since  your  arrival  and  heard  nothing  of  your  intentions  ex- 
cept from  E.  M.  Samuel  of  Liberty  I  write  to  urge  you  to  come 
here  immediately.  It  is  important  that  you  should  select  your 
goods  in  good  season  as  you  will  be  able  to  do  it  much  cheaper 
and  get  better  kinds  when  you  have  time  to  look  about  you  than 
when  you  are  hurried,  beside  I  am  desirous  of  a  spree  with  an  old 
Mountaineer  these  folks  here  wont  do.  My  Brig  will  sail  in  a  few 
days  for  the  Columbia  with  goods  enough  for  an  outfit  for  you 
another  year.  Abbot  passed  this  place  a  few  days  since.  When 
you  come  to  N.  York  call  on  Mess  Cripps  and  WyeLh  Pearl  St. 
Please  write  me  as  soon  as  you  can  and  inform  me  when  you  will 
start  for  this  place.  Yr  &c     N.  J.  W. 

CXXVII  I. 

New  York    21st  Dec.   1833 
Mess  Tucker  &  Williams  Boston 

Gent  I  leave  this  to  day  in  the 
steam  Boat  and  will  probably  be  with  you  Monday  morning  but 
for  fear  of  accident  write  to  inform  Lyou]  that  I  have  purchased 
one  small  bale  of  Scarlett  cloths  of  10  pieces.  This  will  obviate 
any  necessity  of  your  buying  at  disadvantage  as  we  can  do  with- 
out more  of  this  article. 

Mr.  Thomas  informs  me  that  he  has  purchaseLd]  5  Purcheons 
Rum  being  all  he  can  find  in  this  place  entitled  to  Debenture. 
[Subscription  written  but  crossed  out.] 


96 


CORRKSPONnEXCK: 


[153 


I::l 

r- 


CXXIX. 

Cambridge    Jany.  2d     1834 
Bro  i,eond. 

I  have  this  minute  received  a  letter  from  Mr  Milton 
Sublette  informing  me  that  he  leaves  Pitsburgh  on  26th  Dec. 
for  N.  York.  What  I  desire  is  that  you  induce  him  if  possible  to 
come  at  once  to  Boston,  but  if  you  cannot  do  this,  you  will  have 
the  goodCness]  first  to  drop  me  a  line  to  the  care  of  Mess  Tucker  & 
Williams,  and  in  the  mean  time  if  he  is  in  great  haste,  let  him 
commence  selecting  goods,  in  which  plea.se  render  him  what  assist- 
ance you  are  able,  making  all  your  purchases  at  6  mos.  and  oblige 

Yr.  Obt.  Servt.     Nathl  J  Wyeth 

Enlcosing  copy  of  contract  with  Fitzpatric  &  Sublette. 

cxxx. 

Cambridge    Janv  2d     i833[4 
Mr.  M.  O.  Sublette 

Dear  Sir  Yr.  esteemed  fav  of  the  26  iilto.  is  at 
hand.  I  am  at  this  moment  much  engaged  in  fitting  out  a  ves- 
sell  for  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia.  I  have  written  to  my  broth- 
er to  urge  you  to  come  at  once  to  Boston  as  the  gentlemen  who 
are  coucerntid  with  me  are  desirous  of  seeing  you,  but  if  haste 
renders  this  out  of  the  question,  I  will  come  to  N.  York  as  soon 
as  I  know  that  you  are  there,  of  which  I  have  requested  my 
brother  to  inform  me  immediately  on  your  arrival.  If  you  cannot 
come  to  Boston  and  are  in  much  haste  you  can  select  the  goods 
that  you  want  when  you  please,  and  I  have  requested  my  brother 
to  assist  you  in  this  matter,  I  would  prefer  however  that  you 
would  not  begin  until  I  come  but  in  this  do  as  you  please. 
I  am  Yr.  Obt.  Servt.     Nathl  J  Wyeth 

CXXXI. 

Cambridge    Jany  6th    1834 
Bro.  Charles,  Baltimore, 

I  write  to  say  that  I  shall  draw  on  you  for 
one  Thousand  dollars  payable    ist    March. 

The  stock  of  our  Co.  willamt.  to  40,000$  wh".ch  makes  even  an  }i  a 
full  back  load  in  these  times  and  therefore  if  you  have  any  more  loose 
cash,  and  wish  to  give  it  a  good  circulation  you  had  better  lend  it  to 
me,  however  I  have  not  a  face  to  ask  you  a  direct  question  of  this 
sort  in  these  times,  but  only  make  the  slight  suggestion.  But  I 
have  provided  to  meet  in  some  shape  my  obligations  by  becoming 
indebted  to  the  concern  in  case  I  cannot  raise  my  share,  but  I 
have  great  repugnance  to  resort  to  this  measure. 

Our  vessell  sails  to  morrow  and  in  the  course  of  the  week  I 
shall  go  to  N.  York  to  meet  Mr.  Sublette  in  order  to  purchase 
goods  for  our  overland  tiip.  I  think  I  shall  be  in  N.  York  from 
the  12  to  the  20th  inst. 


154] 


WYRTH'S    OREGON     KXPEDITIOXS. 


97 


In  going  out  I  shall  pass  through  Baltimore  but  shall  make  lit- 
tle stay.  I  am  too  buisy  at  present  to  write  about  family  affairs 
and  have  not  even  made  up  my  journal  of  last  trip  in  such  form 
as  is  suitable  to  leave.  I  do  not  know  when  I  shall  have  time  to 
do  any  of  these  things,  for  in  addition  to  my  other  concerns  I 
have  those  of  Mr.  Tudor  to  attend  to  for  the  winter. 

I  am  yr.  afte.  Bro.     N.  J.  \V. 

CXXXII. 

Boston     Janv  4th     1834 
Mr  M  Sublette  (N  York) 

Dear  Sir  I  have  received  a  note  from 
my  brother  informing  me  of  your  having  arrived  in  N.  York.  I 
should  come  immediately  to  see  you  were  it  not  that  I  have  al- 
ready written  to  urge  your  coming  here  and  am  afraid  of  passing 
you  on  the  road.  When  I  have  got  your  answer  whether  you  will 
come  here  or  not  I  shall  move  to  see  you.  In  the  meantime  per- 
mit me  to  suggest  that  there  are  great  advantages  to  Ije  derived 
from  an  interview  between  yourself  and  the  gentlemen  who  are 
concerned  with  me  in  this  undertaking,  among  the  most  impor- 
tant of  which  is  the  establishing  in  your  mind  of  a  perfect  confi- 
dence that  any  contract  that  may  be  entered  into  with  you  or 
your  partners  will  be  fulfilled.  When  you  have  arrived  here  you 
will  be  able  to  satisfy  yourself  in  this  matter.  Also  it  is 
important  that  you  make  some  arrangement  tor  sending  home 
your  furs  over  and  above  those  which  you  pay  us  for  the  goods 
which  we  are  to  deliver  to  you.  If  you  should  wish  to  avail  your- 
self of  the  opportunity  afforded  by  our  vessell  an  agreement  for 
the  same  can  be  made  here  and  also  for  transporting  them  to 
the  vessell.  If  it  is  possible  to  come  to  any  agreement  on  these 
subjects  an  insurance  might  be  effected  to  cover  the  risk  of 
the  sea  on  such  amt.  as  might  be  shipped.  Beside  the  above 
reasons,  there  are  many  goods  which  can  be  purchased  as  well 
and  some  better  here  than  in  N.  York.  The  great  difficult}^ 
which  your  concern  has  encountered  and  the  enormous  expence 
in  getting  your  supplies  has  induced  me  to  suppose  that  you 
would  avail  yourself  of  any  opportunity  which  on  reasonable 
terms  would  obviate  all  the  difficulties  and  much  of  the  expense. 
Such  opportunity  is  now  within  your  reach.  By  means  of  our 
vessells  employed  in  the  salmon  trade  we  can  take  out  goods  and 
bring  home  furs  to  any  extent  to  the  Columbia.  These  goods 
we  can  purchase  cheaper  than  goods  can  be  purchased  to  send 
over  the  mountaitis  because  on  some  of  them  we  get  the  draw- 
back of  the  duties.  The  packing  up  from  the  Columbia  is  neither 
difficult  nor  expensive,  horses  there  are  comparatively  cheap  and 
in  that  country  there  is  little  danger  consequently  few  men  are  re- 
quired. These  advantages  we  are  willing  to  divide  with  you,  in 
order  that  by  getting  your  goods  on  reasonable  terms  you  may  be 


98 


C(  )RR  KSPON  DKN'C  K: 


['55 


be  had  from  the 

you  get  from  the 

One  other  ad  van- 


t 


able  to  monopolise  in  a  great  measure  the  trade  of  the  mountains, 
and  thus,  much  enlarge  the  amt.  of  goods  which  you  will  take 
from  us.  One  other  convenience  of  this  route  is  that  all  your 
men  which  are  wanted  for  camp  keepers  could 
islands  these  men  would  be  better  than  those 
States  for  such  purposes  and  much  cheaper, 
tage  to  be  derived  from  pursuing  the  buisness  through  this  route 
is  that  if  you  succeed  in  breaking  up  the  other  companies  as  you 
certainly  can  do,  when  you  get  your  goods  so  much  cheaper  you 
will  prevent  the  influx  to  [of?]  small  traders  and  others  who  by  their 
competition  continually  injure  your  buisness  and  spoil  your  men. 
Should  the  above  considerations  strike  your  mind  as  thej- 
do  mine  you  will  I  have  no  doubt  you  will  see  of  how 
much  importance  it  is  that  parties  who  in  the  course  of 
events  may  have  such  large  engagements  with  each  other 
should  meet  and  establish  a  mutual  confidence  which  will 
afterward  faciliiate  all  buisness  and  in  such  case  I  shall  ex- 
pect to  see  you  in  Boston  in  the  course  of  the  week.  I  was  in 
liopes  that  you  would  be  able  to  spend  the  winter  with  me  and 
go  to  St.  lyouis  together  in  the  Spring,  but  if  your  buisness  pre- 
vents we  will  let  you  go  after  you  have  spent  a  week  with  us. 

I  am   Yr  &c     N.  J.  \V. 

To  M.  Sublette  ICsq 

CXXXIII. 

Boston    Jany  ytli     1834 

Mess.  Samuel  &  More  (Lil>erty) 

Gent.  Mr.  Abbot  will  hand  you 
this.  I  send  him  for  the  purpose  of  taking  care  of  the  animals 
which  you  may  purchase,  and  for  assisting  you  in  the  same  under 
your  direction.  I  request  that  you  will  be  extremely  careful  in 
the  purchase  of  animals  and  be  sure  to  get  none  but  what  are 
hardy  and  as  many  mules  as  possible.  As  to  price  I  am  in  hopes 
that  having  so  much  time  to  purchase  in  you  will  be 
able  to  buy  horses  for  $25  that  are  first  rate  working 
animals  and  mules  at  40$  but  if  you  should  not  you 
must  give  a  little  more.  75  mules  are  wanted  and  25 
horses  and  to  this  extent  you  are  authorized  to  make  pur- 
chases. Some  competent  judge  mu.st  select  these  animals.  Be- 
fore this  vou  will  have  received  the  requisite  assurance  from 
Mess  Rockhill  &  Co. 

In  regard  to  Abbot  I  wish  you  to  supply  his  absolute  wants 
until  I  come  which  will  be  about  20th  April  and  nothing  farther. 
He  is  a  little  inclined  to  be  extravagant  and  I  do  not  wish  to  pay 
for  it. 

If  you  have  not  yet  made  an  absolute   bargain  in  regard  to  the 
saddles  for  which  I  wrote  in  my  letter  of  20th  Dec.  you  can  leave 


^s6] 


WYRTH'vS  ORROON  RXPKDITlONvS. 


99 


off  the  stirrups  as  they  can  be  had  cheaper   here   than    with  you, 
but  if  already  vou  have  made  [a]  contract  do  not  alter  it. 

I  am  Yr.  Obt.  Servt.     N.  J.  Wyeth 

CXXXIV. 

Boston     Jany.  7th      1834 
Mr.  Wiggin  Abbot 

Sir  You  will  proceed  with  all  possible  despatch 
to  Philadelphia,  you  will  there  call  on  Mess  Grant  &  Stone  and 
request  them  to  procure  a  duplicate  of  the  letter  which  they  re- 
quested Mess.  Thomas  C.  Rockhill  &  Co.  to  send  to  Mess  Samuel  & 
More  of  Liberty  iti  behalf  of  Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  of  Boston. 
With  this  Duplicate  and  the  letter  I  have  given  you  to  Mess  Sam- 
ttel  &  More,  you  will  proceed  immediately  to  Liberty.  When 
arrived  j'ou  will  deliver  duplicate  and  letter,  and  act  under  Mess 
S.  and  M.  in  procuring  animals,  and  keeping  those  that  are  pur- 
chased,taking  good  care  that  they  are  kept  fat.  Without  interposing 
in  any  direct  manner  with  Mess  S  &  M.  I  wish  you  to  ascertain  the 
real  cash  value  of  horses  and  mules,  and  it  would  be  well  to  let 
them  see  that  you  take  note  of  these  things,  this,  not  that  I  doubt 
theii  good  faith,  but  they  having  much  buisness  on  their  hands  may 
l)e  deceived  as  to  the  value  of  animals.  Also  if  you  think  the  an- 
imals they  purchase  are  unsuitable  you  will  give  them  your  opin- 
ion, r  have  requested  Mess  S  &  M.  to  supply  you  with  what 
cash  you  may  want  for  necessary  expenses  only  but  I  am  in  hopes 
the  money  with  which  you  are  supplied  here  will  prevent  any 
considerable  expenses  on  your  ace.  Your  time  will  commence 
on  your  arrival  at  Liberty,  and  what  you  spend  on  the  road  will 
be  charged  to  you,  therefore  keep  an  accurate  ace.  of  the  same. 
You  will  be  allowed  $300  for  the  first  years  services,  j'ou  finding 
youCr]  own  clothing.  We  do  not  agree  to  furnish  any  clothing 
or  other  supplies  between  the  settlements  and  the  Columbia  river. 
At  that  place  and  during  the  year  you  will  be  charged  50  pr  ct. 
advance  on  what  shall  be  sufficient  for  your  own  use.  After  the 
first  vear  an  agreement  for  farther  services  must  be  made. 

Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 

(Added  by  Mr  Abbot) 

Having  carefully  examined  the  foregoing  instructions  from  Mr 
Nathl  J  Wyeth  and  having  agreed  with  him  to  render  my  ser- 
vices in  conformity  thereto  I  hereby  acknowledge  myself  to  be 
entirely  under  his  directions  and  do  promise  and  obligate  myself 
to  perform  to  the  best  of  my  ability  all  that  may  be  required  of 
me  by  him  and  that  I  am  entirely  satisfied  with  the  compensation 
stipulated  for  as  herein  expressed,  and  the  maimer  in  which  I  am 
to  receive  the  same. 

Signd  by     Wuggin  Abbot, 

[The  discrepancy  in  the  spellings  of  Abbot's  name  occurs  in  the 
copy.] 


too 


CORRESPONDRXCK: 


C»57 


* 


«   , 


f      cxxxv. 

Boston     Nov.  23d     1833 
Mr.  Alfred  Seat  on. 

Sir  We  will  take  your  furs  within  one  hun- 
dred miles  of  Horse  Creek  of  Green  River  and  convey  the  same 
to  the  Columbia  and  thence  to  Boston  for  thirty  seven  dollars  and 
fifty  cents  per  pack  of  100  lbs.  We  obligate  ourselves  to  take  the 
usual  care  of  these  furs  on  both  parts  of  the  route,  furs  to  be  de- 
livered to  us  during  the  month  of  July  1834.  The  risks  that  you 
are  to  run  includes  that  of  our  vessells  going  out  to  the  Columbia. 

I  am  Yr  Obt.  Servt     Nathl  J  Wyeth 

CXXXVI. 

Boston    Jany.  4th     1834 
Bro.  Chas.  (Balto.) 

I  have  mailed  to  you  a  package  of  printed  paper 
which  please  keep  two  daj-^  when  if  Mr.  Abbot  does  not  come  to 
take  them  of  you  please  forward  them  to  Mess  Samuel  &  More  of 
Liberty  Missouri  in  Clay  county.  Please  give  Abbot  no  money 
should  he  apply  to  you  for  it  as  I  have  given  him  as  much  as  I 
wish  to  trust  him  with. 

I  am  &c        Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 

P.  S.     Pajiers  will  not  come  as  above 


CXXXVII. 


i«34 


Boston    Jany  8th 

Mess  Samuel  &  More     Liberty  Missouri 

Gent.  Having  written 
you  under  date  of  Dec.  20th  from  N  York  and  on  7th  inst  per  Mr. 
Abbot  I  now  write  to  recapitulate,  a^id  to  make  sure  that  you  re- 
ceive the  requisite  instructions  in  case  Abbot  should  be  delayed  from 
any  cause,  viz  purchase  75  mules  and  24  horses  with  [as]  much 
dispatch  as  you  can  consistently  with  economy,  place  same  un- 
der some  suitable  man  if  Mr.  Abbot  does  not  come  that  they 
may  become  w[o]nted  to  the  band.  Be  careful  to  get  serviceable 
animals.  If  so  many  mules  cannot  be  had  you  must  make  up  in 
horses.  Also  35  common  Spanish  riding  saddles  without  stirfr]ups 
bridles  or  girths  these  I  can  get  cheaper  here.  6  of  a  little  su- 
perior kind  but  still  not  expensive  for  my  own  use  and  some 
other  gentlemen,  also  you  cati  be  looking  up  2  bulls  and  8 
cows  for  driving  overland  to  stock  a  fort  also  one  yoke  of  cattle 
for  provisions,  fat  for  eating,  and  about  30  sheep.  If  the.se  cattle 
can  be  purchased  at  any  time  it  had  better  be  delayed  until  the 
last  of  the  purchases.  Probably  t  may  want  a  few  more  animals 
than  above  ordered  but  this  will  do  for  the  present. 

I  am  Yr.  Obt.  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 


r5S] 


WYRTH'vS    OREGON     IvXPKDITFONvS. 
To    FIND    LONGITUDK 


lOl 


To  get  Polar  distance.  .  .  Take  declination  of  Sun  from  Nauti- 
cal almanac  for  the  date  which  we  suppose  to  be  nth  Jany.  1834 
which  is  21  deg.  50  min.  lysec.  which  correct  for  Long,  from 
Tab.  5  Bowditch  deriving  you[r]  knowledge  of  Long,  from  the 
last  observation  and  dead  reconing  added. 


Say,  Sub. 
Correct  for  time  Say  3  Hours  a.  m.  as 


I  min.  45  sec. 
21  deg.  49[8?]  min.  32  sec. 


per  Table  5  Bowditch  which  is  -^  add  i  min,  07  sec. 

21  deg.  50  min.  39  sec. 
Add  to  90  deg.  to   obtain  polar  distance     90  deg.  00  min.  00  sec. 

Polar  distance  i  r  r  deg.  50  min.  39  sec. 

In  making  the  above  reconing  with  Capt.  Laml>ert  we  added 
instead  of  90  deg.  90  deg.  50  min.  39  sec.  which  will  make  an  er- 
ror through  [ou]t  the  whole  calculation  for  we  made  polar  distance 
112  deg.  58  min.  18  sec.  and  this  sum  therefore  I  use  hereafter 
instead  in  deg.  50  min.  39  sec.  which  is  the  true  distance. 
After  rejecting  seconds  which  we  always  do  if  under  30  and  add 
if  over 

I  St  The  Cronometer  to  be  made  to  agree  with  Greenwich  time 
by  adding  or  subtracting  its  rate  as  the  case  may  be  \ 

2d  Take  the  Suns  altitude,  and  it  is  best  to  do  it  when  the  Sun 
is  rising  of  [or?]  falling  the  fastest,  which  read  directly  from  the 
quadrant  and  we  will  suppose  it  to  be  68  deg.  10  min. 

Which  always  divide  by  two  34  deg.    5  min. 

To  which  if  the  Lower  limb  is  taken  always  add  16  min. 


On  Land  for  refraction  alwaj'^s  subtract 
Which  will  be  the  true  altitude 

Corrected  altitude  as  above  34  deg.  20  min 

Corrected  Latt.  which  is  got  from 

Last  obs.  and  dead  rec.  45  deg.  20  min 

Polar  distance  from  above 


34  deg.  21  min. 
I  min. 

34  deg.  20  min. 


Add  together 
Which   always   divide  by  2 
which  is 

Subtract  Suns  altitude 
Which  is  remainder 


112  deg.  58  min. 
192  deg.  38  min. 

96  deg.  19  min. 

34  deg.  20  min. 
61  deg.  59  min. 


100 


CORK  KSPON  DENC  K: 


['59 


Hi 


In  Taking  out  Log[a]rithms  reject  the  index  when  it  is  lo. 
Cor[r]  ."Cted  altitude  as 

above  34  deg.  20  min.  (from  Tab.  27) 

Corrected  Lat.  as  above  45  deg.  20  min.  Secant  of  lyat.       08314 

"     Polar  distance 

as  above  112  deg.  58  min.  Co.  Sec.  pol.  dis    03587 

Add  together*  Halve  192  deg.  38  min. 

Half  96  deg.  19  min.  Co  Sine  Half 

Subtract    Suns    alti  Sum  9.04149 

as  above  34  deg.  20  min. 

Remainder  61  deg.  59  min.  Sine  of  remain- 

der 9-94587 


19.10637 
9-55318 

9  H  12  min.  32  sec. 
8  min.  13  sec. 

9  H  20  min.  45  sec . 


16  H    5  min.    3  .sec. 

9  H  20  min.  45  sec. 
6  H  44  min.  18  sec. 


Half  of  this  sum 
is 

Log.    9-553^8  =  in  time  to 

Add  equation  of  time  from  almanac  as  date 

Mean  time 
Greenwich  time,  which  ad[d]  to  1 2  to  make  it 

greater  than  Mean  time  ifnot  so  before 
Which    we    will    suppose   to    be    4  H    5 

min.  3  sec. 

from  this  subtract  mean  time 

Which  is  the  I^ongitude  in  time 
Which  by  table  21  Bowditch  is  Longitude  loi  deg.  4  min.  30  sec 

To  FIND  Lattitude 
28th  Jany  1833  observed 
Index  error 


Half  altitude 
Suns  Semi  diameter 

Refraction  on  Land 
Subtract  from  90  deg. 

Suns  declination  for  date 
Latt. 

Mess  Samuel  &  More 


48  deg 

GO 

25  mm. 
00 

48  deg. 
24  deg. 

25  min. 

12  min.  30  sec. 

16  min.  16  sec. 

24  deg.  28  min.  46  sec. 

I  min.  00  sec. 

24  deg.  27  min.  46  sec. 

90  deg.  00  min.  00  sec. 

65  deg.  32  min.  14  sec. 
18  deg.  10  min.  30  sec. 

47  deg.  21  min.  44  sec. 
CXXXVIII. 

Boston     Jany  12th     1834 


H 


Gent     On   the   other  side  you  have  copy  of 
agreement,  with  a  note  on  the  back.     Should  you  engage  the  30 


i6o) 


WYKTH'vS  ORKC.ON  KXPRDTTTONS. 


103 


men  named  in  my  letter  of  the  20  ulto.  1 5  of  them  must  agree 
to  this  note,  as  it  may  be  desirable  to  let  Sublette  have  some  of  the 
men  when  I  reach  the  mountains.  Mr.  Sublette  is  now  with  me. 
At  his  suggestion  I  request  you  to  consider  if  men  and  animals 
could  not  better  be  got  in  some  of  the  lower  counties  than  in 
Jackson  and  Clay  and  if  so  you  can  make  any  suitable  arrange- 
ment for  doing  it.  Endeavor  principally  to  get  French  and  mules 
and  make  no  advances  until  I  come.  Make  no  agreement  with  any 
one  that  you  think  likely  to  back  out  or  that  you  do  not  think  a 
good  man.     The  french  are  generally  much  preferable. 

1  desire  that  as  soon  as  you  receive  this  you  would  send  weekly 
to  the  care  of  Mess.  Von  Phul  and  McGill  a  statement  of  what 
you  have  done,  in  order  that  when  I  arrive  at  St.  Louis  I  may 
know  what  you  have  done,  and  be  able  to  make  what  purchases 
or  engagements  [as]  are  wanted  while  I  am  coming  up  the  coun- 
try. 

I  shall  probably  be  with  you  by  the  middle  of  April. 

I  am  Yr.  Obt.  Servt.  Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 
CXXXIX. 

Boston     Jany  14th  1834 

Bro  Leond.     N.  York. 

Mr  Sublette  requests  me  to  ask  you  to  in- 
quire at  the  office  for  letters  for  him,  and  in  case  you  find  any 
you  can  forward  them  to  the  care  of  Tucker  &  Williams.  This 
until  the  first  day  of  Feb.  after  which  time  you  can  keep  them 
and  he  will  get  them  when  he  comes. 

I  also  wish  you  would  inform  me  as  soon  as  you  can  if  there 
are  any  red  stronds  or  scarlet  cloths  to  be  had  in  N.  York  and  on 
what  terms.  If  Mr  Wm.  L  Sublette  calls  on  you  he  can  direct 
his  letters  to  his  brother  to  Mess.  T  &  W  as  above 

I  shall  be  with  you  about  the  1 2  th  Feb.  next 

And  I  rem  Yr  Obt  Servt    N.  J.  W. 

CXIv. 

Boston     Janj'  15th     1834 
Mr  Thomas  Nutall 

Dear  Sir  I  write  to  say  that  I  shall  pass 
through  Philadelphia  sooner  than  I  at  first  contemplated  sa^^  18 
to  2 1  St  Feby.  and  possibly  shall  leave  St.  Louis  by  the  20th  March 
and  the  upper  settlements  by  the  20th  of  April.  Should  you  not  be 
in  Philadelphia  when  I  pass  you  can  join  me  on  the  route  or  at 
St.  Louis  in  which  place  you  will  hear  of  me  at  Mess.  Von  Phull 
&  McGills.  If  when  you  arrive  at  St.  Louis  I  have  gone  you 
will  then  find  me  at  Mess.  Samuel  and  Mores  in  Liberty  Clay 
County  where  I  shall  remain  until  the  20  certainly,  perhaps 
longer. 


»♦ 


CORK  KSI'ONDKXCrv: 


[l6l 


I: 
1 


Hoping  I  may  have  the  pleasure  of  your  company  from  Philad. 
west,  I  remain  '  Vr.  Obt.  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 

CX1.I. 

Cambridge    Jany  25th     1H34 
Saml.  L.  Dana  Ksq.  (Waltham) 

Dear  Sir  Altho  a  stranger  I  have  de- 
sired to  call  on  you  to  thank  you  for  a  piece  of  service  >'ou 
did  me  in  your  review  of  the  Book  of  J  no.  \Vyeth,bv  Benj  Water- 
house.  It  enhances  the  obligation  that  it  was  done  for  a  stran- 
ger, in  his  absence,  and  that  it  was  so  well  done  that  the  liar  and 
his  pander  were  annihilated.  Much  buisness  prevents  my  ac- 
knowledging to  you  in  person,  but  be  assured  that  I  shall  take 
with  me  to  the  prairies  and  forests  a  sense  of  the  favor  you  have 
conferred  on  me  and  those  who  feel  an  interest  in  me. 

lam  &c     N.  J.  Wyeth. 


CXUI. 


'«34 


Cambridge    Jany.  26th 
lirother  Perry     Newbury  (Vermont) 

Finding  that  it  will  l)e  impos- 
sible to  visit  you  as  contemplated  before  leaving  these  parts,  I 
write  to  say  good  bye,  to  you  and  j'ours.  If  you  wish  to  write  to 
the  Sandwich  Islands,  I  will  carry  letters  which  I  can  send  by  our 
vessell  to  their  destination.  I  leave  this  place  on  the  7th  Feb. 
and  should  your  letters  reach  here  a  little  later  they  could  be  for- 
warded to  St.  Louis.  There  is  little  to  say  at  this  moment  more 
than  if  good  success  attends  me  this  time  it  will  l>e  long  before  I 
shall  return  but  if  on  the  contrary'  I  meet  with  disasters,  I  shall 
soon  be  back  and  probably  be  obliged  to  remain  for  want  of 
means  to  make  a  third  trial.  Mr  Sublette  is  now  with  me  which 
is  the  reason  of  my  leaving  so  much  sooner  than  I  expected.  All 
connections  are  well.     Wife  sends  her  love. 

I  am  Yr  Afte.   Bro.  Nathl  J  Wyeth 


CXLIII. 


i«34 


Cambridge    Jany  29th 
Mr  Hallett  (Kditor  of  the  Boston  Dayly  Advocate) 

Dear  Sir  I  have  not  been  able  to  find  the  author  of  the  piece 
in  your  paper  of  23rd  Jany.  1833.  I  leave  this  for  the  westward 
on  the  7th  Feb.  and  therefore  can  have  no  farther  time  to  attend 
to  this  matter.  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  that  could  the  author 
of  the  communication  be  found  he  would  give  Jno.  Wyeth  as  his 
authority.  Now  as  the  Book  of  Jno  Wyeth  is  at  variance  with 
this  communication  it  only  remains  to  shew  that  Jno.  Wyeth  is 
the  author  of  both  to  shew  that  no  credit  is  due  to  anything  that 
he  stated.  It  will  be  some  trouble  to  you  perhaps  to  find  the  per- 
son who  sent  the  communication  but  I  have  confidence  enough 
in  your  disposition  to  see  justice  done,  to  ask  you  to  do  so,  and  ask 


I62] 


WYKTH'S    ORF.CON     IvXrKDITIONS. 


108 


him  for  his  authority.  If  he  gives  Jno.  Wyeth,  I  will  then  ask 
you  to  compare  the  l)Ook  with  the  communication  and  state  in 
your  paper  the  diflFerence  which  you  may  find. 

As  I  conceive,  you  have  inadverently  done  me  an  injure'.  It  is 
in  your  power  to  do  me  a  favor  that  will  more  than  compensate. 
I  ask  no  more  than  truth  and  justice  and  I  have  no  doubt  that 
von  will  incur  a  little  trouble  to  render  it. 

I  am  Yr.  Obt.  vServt     Nathl.  J.   Wyeth. 

CXLIV. 

Cambridj2;e     Jany.  31th     18.34 
Cousin  Noah  (Hingham) 

Yours  of  28  inst.  is  received.  I  leave 
this  on  7th  Feb.  but  cannot  take  books  across  the  continent  4000 
miles  the  risk  and  transportation  would  be  five  times  their  value. 
Our  vessell  for  this  year  has  gone  but  one  will  go  yearly  by  which 
any  thing  may  be  sent  that  his  friends  wish.  Articles  to  be  sent 
to  Mr  Ball  should  be  left  with  Mess  Tucker  &  Williams  Central 
Wharf  Boston.  If  his  friends  [wish!  to  send  letters  I  will  take 
charge  of  them  with  great  pleasure  and  he  will  get  them  in 
Sept.  next. 

I  should  have  notified  Mr  Balls  friends  of  this  opportunity  but 
I  did  not  know  where  to  find  them.  If  the  person  you  mention 
will  inform  them  I  will  be  obliged  to  him.  L,etters  for  him  may  be 
sent  to  the  care  of  Mess  T.  &  R  or  Chas.  Wyeth  Baltimore  who 
will  forward  them  to  me  at  St.  Louis  until  the  loth  day  of  March 
next  after  which  time  they  cannot  overtake  me  as  I  shall  leave 
the  western  settlements  about  the  middle  of  April  next. 

Respy  Yrs.     N.  J.  Wyeth 

CXIA'. 

Boston     F'eb.  3d     1S34 
Bro  Charles 

My  Indian  boys  are  on  board  the  Hem.[?]  Bg.  Nitor 
bound  for  your  place.  I  wish  you  would  watch  and  on  their 
arrival  place  them  at  some  suitable  place  to  board  see  that  their 
washing  is  done  &c  until  I  come.  Buy  for  them  what  clothing 
they  stand  in  immediate  need  of  and  pay  $20  for  their  passage. 

I  leave  this  on  the  7th  inst  and  shall  tarr>'  for  a  few  days  in  N. 
York  to  buy  goods  and  be  in  Balto.  about  the  15th  inst. 
In  the  mean  time  I  am  Yrs.     N.  J.  W. 

CXLVI. 

Boston     Feb.  23d[?]     1834 
Mr  Wm  L.  Sublette    X.  York, 

Dear  Sir  Your  fav.  of  30tli  ulto.  is 
at  hand.  Your  brother  is  here  and  we  leave  in  coMpanj'  for  New 
York  on  the  7th  inst  v/here  we  shall  remain  about  5  days  then  to 
Philad.  there  remain    2  or  3  more   then   to    Baltimore   there    re- 


toft 


CORRIvSPONDrvNTr:.- 


fr6.? 


P 


main  2  more.  If  I  do  not  see  you  l)erore  please  leave  word  with 
ray  brother  in  Baltimore  where  you  can  be  found,  as  I  am  anx- 
ious to  be  ill  company  on  the  route  westward.  I  place  little  re- 
liance on  any  information  or  on  any  reports  through  the  Am.  I*' 
Co.  especially  by  Doct.  Harrisons  hands.  There  may  have  some 
small  disaster  happened  and  a  small  one  it  must  I*  to  arat.  to  no 
more  than  ^ycxio  when  it  reached  vSt.  Louis  through  such  hands. 
Vou  well  know  the  great  pains  taken  by  rival  companies  in  the 
mountains  to  discredit  their  opponents.  My  l>rother  of  N.  York 
informed  me  some  time  since  that  a  draft  drawn  by  Ablx)t  on  M. 
( I.  Sublette  chargeable  to  me  was  shewn  him,  which  having  no 
instructions  he  refused  to  pay.  This  is  all  the  information  I  have 
received  of  this  draft.  I  presume  it  is  [for]  supplies  for  Ablwt  on 
his  passage  down.  If  so  for  any  reasonable  amt.  I  shall  pay  it 
when  I  see  you.  I  regret  that  you  did  not  forward  it  to  me  with 
the  account  or  whatever  else  it  is  founded  on.  Abbot  never  noti- 
fied me  that  he  had  drawn  such  a  draft.  Had  the  buisness  been 
properly  done  I  should  have  avoided  having  it  said  that  a  draft 
on  me  had  l>een  returned  unpaid.  I  shall  caU  on  Mess  (Mil  Cam- 
liel  &  Co.  if  I  do  not  see  you  in  N.  York,  but  if  you  could  possi- 
bly wait  my  arrival  in  N.  York  it  would  af[ fjord  me  much  pleasure. 
I  should  urge  your  coming  to  Hoston  were  it  not  so  late.  If  you 
think  of  going  to  Washington  I  would  like  to  keep  comfxinv. 
'l  am  Yr  Obt.  vServt     Xathl.  J.  Wyeth 

V.  vS.     Miltons  foot  is  I  think  a  little  batter. 

CXIA'II. 

Bo.ston     Feb  4th     1834 
Thomas  Nnttall  J^sq.     I'hilad. 

Dear  Sir     Your  esteemed    Fav.  of  30th  ulto  is  at  hand. 

I  leave  this  on  the  7th  inst.  and  may  l>e  in  Philad  by  the  i6th, 
Init  probably  not  until  18th  or  20th  and  by  the  time  we  can  reach 
the  Ohio,  I  think  ^^  will  be  open.  I  am  pleased  that  there  will 
be  one  more  added  to  our  society.  As  he  will  probably  have  no 
.servant  I  would  not  recommend  to  him  to  take  many  goods.  His 
.stock  of  clothing  would  I  should  think  lie  all  that  he  will  require. 
I  should  advise  him  to  take  three  mules  but  three  horses  or  two 
mules  would  do.  What  little  clothing  he  may  want  in  the  coun- 
try he  shall  have  on  such  terms  that  he  will  have  no  reason  to 
complain.  I  do  not  see  that  he  need  provide  anything  before 
reaching  St.  Louis  more  than  he  has  unless  he  carrys  implevients 
of  sciejice. 

I  will  deliver  the  message  to  Mr.  Brown.  I  have  engaged  Capt. 
Thwing*  who  is  well  versed  in  taking  observations  to  accompany 
the  expedition  and  have  provided  suitable  implements.  Can  you 
get  some  cherr^',  peach,  apple,  pear,  apricot,  plumb,  and   nectar- 


*The  author  spells  the  name  of  his  Captain  with  a  "w"  this  first  time. 


i64] 


WVKTH'S  ORKr.ON   I-XPFDITIONS. 


m 


ine  stones  to  take  with  us?  Mr.  Sublette  is  now  with  me  and  will 
conic  on  in  company. 

■  Resply  Yr.  Oht.  vServt.     N.  J.  W'yeth. 

CXIA'III. 

Hoston     I'cl)  5th     1M34 
Mr  Joseph  Thinp 

Sir     The   followiufif   l>nisness  re(|uires  to  he  at- 
tended to  before  you  leave  Boston,  viz 

Ship  to  Haltimore  to  Mess.  Wyeth  cS:  Norris 

7  tetits  and  45  oil  covers,  which  find  at  Hell  &  Cowlevs 

Indian  Rubber  Boat  Tucker  &  Williams 

Two  Travelingf  Cases  "       "       "  B.  C.  Weld  Camb. 

100    Beaver  Traps  "       "       "  Brainerds. 

Also  brinpf  on  with  you  a  memnrandum  of  all  the  bills  Charged 
by  Tucker  &  Williams  to  the  overland  expedition  in  order  that  I 
may  have  with  me  the  means  of  knowing  at  any  time  the  arat. 
invested  in  this  part  of  the  buisness.  At  N^.  York  and  Baltimore 
of  the  gentlemen  to  whom  I  give  you  letters  you  will  obtain  far- 
ther advices  from  me  provided  von  do  not  find  me  with  them. 

'&     N.  J.  W. 

CXMX. 

Boston     Feb.   5th      1H34 
Bro  Chas. 

The  bearer  is  Capt.  Jos.  Thing  who  goes  out  with  me 
as  the  second  in  command.  Whatever  buisness  I  leave  with  you 
relating  to  this  expedition  or  any  letters  to  me  you  will  please 
hand  over  to  him,  and  shew  him  such  attention  as  may  be  in 
vour  power  and  oblige 

yr.  Afte.  Bro.     X.  J.  Wyeth 

Thursday     evening     P*eb  4th     t'S34     Boston. 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams    Boston 

Gent 

I  do  not  think  the  traps 
will  be  according  to  sample  therefore  it  will  be  requisite  to  ex- 
amine them  carefully  and  compare  them  with  thepat[t]ern,  which 
is  in  Brainerds  possession.  They  should  be  equally  well  finished 
with  the  pat[t]ern  and  by  contract  are  to  be  set  for  one  week  and 
then  rejected  if  the  springs  do  not  come  up  fair  or  are  broken.  I 
have  agreed,  if  he  would  have  all  of  them  finished  by  the  7th  Feb. 
to  give  him  $15  over  and  above  the  contract.  If  Brainerd  will 
not  agree  to  have  them  set  on  board  the  Packett  and  take  back 
all  that  do  not  prove  good  on  their  arrival  in  Baltimore,  it  will  be 
requisite  to  retain  them  in  Boston  one  week  in  order  to  tr>'  them 
by  setting  at  th'*  end  of  which  time,  if  the  springs  are  unbroken 
and  come  up  fair  and  they  are  as  well  finished  as   the   sample   he 


IO.S 


CORRRvSPOXDRXCK: 


[165 


will  be  entitled  to  $165  for  one  Hundred  traps,  this  provided  they 
are  delivered  to  you  on  the  7  inst.  but  if  delivered  after  that  time 
he  is  only  entitled  to  1 50$ 

I  am  Vv.  Obt.  Servt.   Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 
CU. 

Providence     Feb  4th     1834 
J  no  Pickering  Esq. 

Dear  Sir 

Your  favor  of  Feb  4th  reached  me 
only  last  evening  consequently  I  could  not  call  on  you  as  request- 
ed. It  is  not  in  my  power  to  answer  the  queries  contained  in 
your  letter  from  memory  but  I  will  preserve  the  vocabulary 
which  you  sent  and  endeavour  to  give  the  information  desired  at 
some  future  time.  Probably  I  will  write  to  you  again  before 
leaving  the  States  and  after  rejoining  the  Indians,  but  if  I  should 
not  do  this  I  will  on  the  first  occasion  wTite  you  from  beyond  the 
mountains. 

If  you  wish  to  write  me  on  these  subjects  your  letters 
will  reach  me  by  being  left  at  Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  on 
Central  Wharf,  both  before  I  leave  the  States  and  afterward,  and 
l)e  assured  that  it  would  afford  me  much  pleasure  to  give  any  in- 
formation in  my  power. 

lam  &c   X.J.  W. 
To  Jno.  Pickering  Ksq. 

[A  letter  to  F.  Tudor  Esq.,  Boston,  written  Feb.  7th,  from  Provi- 
dence is  omitted.  It  is  devoted  exclusively  to  explanations  of 
suggested  improvements  it.  the  process  of  harvesting  ice.l 


i 


i: 


I 


a-  ' 


New  York     Feb  loth     1834 
Mess.  Tucker  &  WiUiams  (Boston) 

Gent  Your  letter  of  the  9th  inst.  was  received  today  containing  let- 
ter and  copy  of  letter  froia  Mess.  Samuel  &  More.  The  copy  is 
in  answer  to  one  of  mine  of  Dec.  4th  1833  and  the  letter  was 
written  about  the  same  time  and  contains  nothing  important.  An 
auswer  to  all  that  is  contained  in  these  two  letters  is  in  letters 
which  I  wrote  to  these  two  gentlemen  on  the  20th  Dec.  and 
Jany  yth  8th  and  12th  last  which  they  appear  not  to  have  re- 
ceived at  the  dat  of  their  writing.  A  copy  of  these  letters  I 
would  forw^ard  to  you  but   have    not    time   to   write   them   off. 

I  hope  you  will  see  that  the  traps  are  good.  His  engagement 
was  to  have  them  done  by  the  7th.  I  do  not  know  if  he  is 
bound  to  notify  you  of  their  being  done.  It  is  important  to  get 
ihem  as  soon  as  possible. 


i66] 


WYKTH'S  OREGON  RXPEniTIONS, 


109 


I  shall  write  you  as  often  as  anything  transpires  of  interest  and 
in  the  meantime  hope  that  you  are  not  aflfected  by  the  late 
failures. 

Will  you  have  the  goodnees  to  send  me  amt.  of  the 
balance  to  my  Cr.  on  your  books  in  your  next  as  I  wish  to  enter 
it  against  you  in  my  new  books  and  have  mislaid  the  ace.  which 
you  rendered. 

I  am  &c   N.  J.  W. 


Wra.  I^.  Sublette  Esq. 


CUll. 

>j.  York     Feb.  loth     1834 

Philad 

Dear  Sir  I  arrived  here  in  co  with 
Milton  yesterday  Mng.  and  was  disappointed  in  not  finding  you 
here,  and  write  to  say  that  we  shall  probably  be  in  Philad.  by 
the  1 6th  and  there  hope  to  see  you. 

I  am  &c  N.  J.  W 

CLIV. 

N.  York     Feb  nth     1834 

Mess  Thomas  C.  Rockhill  &  Co.  (Philad) 

'  Gent  I  have  notice[d]  that  Mr  Samuel  of  the  firm  of  Samuel  & 
More  of  Libertv  Missouri  left  for  your  city  on  the  6th  of  Jany.  1 
am  ver>'  desirous  of  seeing  him.  Will  you  have  the  goodness  to 
inform  him  that  I  shall  remain  here  until  the  i6th  inst.  and 
then     come    to   Philadelphia,    provided  you  know  where  he  is 

And  oblige     Yr.  Obt.  Servt.  N.  J.  Wyeth 
'  ci^v.  •■ 

N  York     Feb  nth     1834 

Bro  Charles  (Balto) 

I  have  your  fav.  of  the  loth  of  Jany  last. 
I  leave  this  on  the  i6th  and  remain  but  one  day  in  Philadelphia 
and  then  to  your  city  and  hope  to  see  you  once  more. 

Yr.  Afte.  Bro.  N.  J.  W. 

CLVI. 

New     York     Feb  nth     1834 

Mess  Tucker  &  Williams  Boston 

C^nt  Finding  that  there  would  be 
some  cash  bills  to  be  paid  here  I  have  thi?  day  drawn  on  you  at 
srghtfor6oo$  No  I,  which  will  probably  be  all  this  side  the 
Aleeanies  at  less  time  than  six  months. 

^  I  am  &c  N.  J.  Wyeth 


no 


CORRKvSPONDENCK: 


[»67 


!-.: 


1; 


ChVll. 

N.York     Feb  1 2th     1833  [4] 
Mess  Tucker  &  Williams  Boston 

Gent  Herewith  you  have  duplicate  of 
my  letter  of  yesterday  and  copy  of  letter  to  Samuel  &  More 
which  last  will  give  you  a  view  of  the  present  state  of  affairs 
with  them. 

I  am  &c  N.  J.  Wyeth. 

CLVIII. 

New  York     Feb  12th     1834 
Wm.  Tv.  Sublette  Esq.  (Philad) 

Dear  Sir  Yours  of  the  6th  inst  was  re- 
ceive '  Sy  way  of  Boston  today  An  answer  to  its  contents  has 
alreau^  been  sent  you  and  I  presume  you  have  received  it  liefore 
this.  I  only  write  to  say  that  Milton  leaves  this  in  the  morning 
for  your  city  and  I  shall  be  there  by  the  16  and  will  expect  to 
find  you  at  Gill  Campbell  &  Co. 

I  am  &c  N.  J.  Wyeth. 
CUX. 

New  York     Feb  12  th     1S34 

Mess  Tucker  &  Williams  (Boston) 

Gent  Your  fav.  of  10th  inst  is  at  hand. 
If  the  Black  smith  will  not  consent  to  the  traps  being  sent  to 
Baltimore  and  abide  the  result  on  their  examination  there  they 
must  be  tried  by  setting  one  week  in  Boston  and  as  soon  there- 
after as  possible  have  them  forw^arded  to  Mess  Wyeth  &  Norris. 
If  sent  by  the  24th  inst  I  shou[l]d  get  them  in  season  but  I  would 
take  none  after  the  20th  including  time  of  tr>'al.  I  note  what 
you  say  as  to  residue  of  goods  and  of  Capt  Thing. 

In  regard  to  drafts  from  the  mountains  they  caiuiot  be  made 
on  Samuel  &  More  but  must  be  made  on  some  first  rate  house  in 
St.  Louis  or  on  the  bank  as  arranged. 

In  regard  to  the  $6000  which  I  am  to  draw  on  you  for  from 
St.  Louis  I  may  make  an  arrangement  with  Samuel  &  More  for  a 
part,  but  I  have  not  yet  seen  him  and  do  not  know  where  to  find 
him,  but  have  written  to  Philadelphia,  but  at  the  same  time  I 
would  not  like  to  make  an  arrangement  with  him  for  the  whole. 
I  request  that  you  will  immediately  furnish  me  with  a  credit  in 
in  St.  Louis  of  at  least  3000$.  If  Thomas  C.  Rockhill  &  Co 
would  accept  my  drafts  there  would  be  no  trouble  at  least  I  think 
so,  or  if  you  would  make  yourselves  known  to  Mess  Von  PhuU 
&  Mc  Gill  of  St  Louis  I  think  that  would  answer,  but  I  can  not  pick  up 
horses  cheap  without  cash  in  hand  nor  can  I  wait  until  I  get  to 
Liberty  to  get  it,  for  I  must  make  some  purchases  before.     As   I 


I68] 


WYRTH'S    OREGON     EXPEDITIONvS. 


in 


leave  this  2  days  hence  and  then  make  haste  westward  you   must 
be  aware  that  there  is  not  a  moment  to  loose  in  this  matter. 

I  am  yr  obt  Servt     N.  J.  Wyeth. 
P.  S.     Your  next  please  address  to  the  care  of  Mess  Grant  &  Stone 
Philad. 

[The  following  is  wi.tten  across  the  above  letter:  Do  not  omit 
to  have  all  the  chains  sent  whether  the  traps  are  or  not.] 
[A  letter  to  Frederic  Tudor,  Esq.,  Boston,  dated  "N.  York  Feb 
121834;'  is  omitted.  Uke  that  of  the  7th  inst.  to  Mr.  Tudor 
it  contains  only  suggestions  pertaining  to  the  management  of  the 
"ice  business."  Mr.  Wyeth  closes  the  letter  by  saying,  "Excuse 
the  liberty  I  take  in  these  matters  I  cannot  forget  the  habit  of 
thinking  that  I  have  still  something  to  do  with  ice"] 

CLX. 

New  York     Feb  15th     1834 
Bro  Jacob.  (Galena) 

I  leave  this  place  on  my  way  west  on  the  15th 
inst.  and  shall  be  in  St.  Louis  from  the  5th  to  the  loth 
[of]  April  and  would  be  much  pleased  to  see  you  there.  The  ur- 
gency of  my  buisness  prevents  my  coming  to  see  you,  otherwise  I 
would  do  so,  I  have  in  charge  for  you  some  books  which  I  shall 
send  from  St.  Louis  to  you  if  I  do  not  see  you  there. 

I  am  Yr.  Afte.  Bro.     N  J  Wyeth 
CLXI. 

N   York     Feb  14th     1834 
Rev  Jason  Lee.  (Baltimore) 

Dear  Sir.  I  have  received  your  fav.  of 
nth  inst  in  answer  to  which  say  that  I  leave  this  city  to  mor- 
row morning  and  proceed  directly  west  and  remain  but  five  or  six 
days  at  St.  Louis.  You  will  hear  of  me  in  St.  Louis  by  calling 
on  Mess  Von  Phull  &  McGill. 

I  think  I  received  and  answered  a  line  from  some  one  in  west- 
ern Mass,  but  am  not  certahi. 

&c  &c     N.  J.  W. 
CLXII. 

New  York     Feb.  14th     1834 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  (Boston) 

Gent  On  the  other  side  you  have 
a  list  of  drafts  drawn  on  you  up  to  this  date  also  a  list  of  bills 
paid.  I  am  obliged  to  keep  the  originals  as  vouchers  in  making 
up  the  invoices  for  Sublette.  I  shall  forward  them  from  the  up- 
per settlements  by  private  hand  and  in  the  mean  time  shall  con- 
tinue to  forward  only  lists  of  bills. 

The  good[s]  from  this  place  I  shall  ship  to  Baltimore  by  sea,  be- 
ing cheaper  and  will  be  in  time.  Enclosed  ^-ou  have  all  the  ma- 
terials for  invoicing  if  you   deem   expedient.'    If  you  write  me  as 


112 


CORR  KSPON  DRXC  K: 


[r69 


early  as  the  i6th  you  can  direct  to  the  care  of  Mess  Wyeth  & 
Norris  Baltimore  but  if  later  and  until  the  i8th  to  the  care  of 
Josiah  Lawrence  &  Co.  Cincinati,  after  which  time  to  the  care 
of  Mess  Von  Phull  &  McGill  St.  Louis  and  they  will  fon\'ard  the 
letters  to  me  wherever  I  may  be  at  the  time. 

I  am  yr.  obt.  Servt.      N.  J.  W. 
(Enclosing  bill  oflading,and  drafts  drawn  to  date  and  bills  paid.) 


VIZ. 


No.  1  Feb  nth  fav.  of  Cripps  &  Wyeth 


2 

3 

4 

5 
6 

7 


sight 

"  F.  Gebard  6  monthri 

"  R.  H.  Osgood  &  Co  8  months 


"  F.  B.  Rhodes 
"  Robbins  &  Painter 
"  Sindam  &  Jackson 
"  Wolf  &  Clark 


Bills  paid 


Feb.  13  Jno  H.  Albee 

"'      ''  Smith  & 

"      "  N.  H.  Weeld  &  Co 
"      "  Girding  &  Siemon 


No. 


6  months 
6  months 
6  months 
6  months 


I 

2 
3 

4 

5 

6 


'■  "  Piatt  Stout  &  Ingoldsby 

"  "  Hide  Hitchcock  &  Greenman  "  7 

"  "  Baily  Ward  &  Co.  "  8 

"  "  W.  &.  E  Clark  "  9 

"  "  Stryker  &  Smith  "  10 

"  "  R.  H.  Osgood  &  Co.  "  11 

"  ''  E.  D.  Sprague  &  Co.  *'  12 

"  "  E.  J.  &  E.  White  "  13 

N.    J.    W. 

[The  following  is  written  across  the  face  of  the  above  letter] 

P.  S.  Out  of  the  2543.59  deduct,  not  shipped  by  the  Othello 

20  rifles  200.00 

2  spades  1.75 

30  doz.Scalping  knivesC?]  41.25 


600. 
149.85 

253- 
388. oS 

484.92 

571-75 
484.65 


8.87 

5.85 
13.50 
17.37 
»7-58 
3.38 
3.00 

11.50 
61.09 
18.86 
253.00 
11.94 
39.00 


243.00  or 

$2300.59  to  be  invoiced 

Bill  to  F.  B.  Rhodes 

No    14 

$388.08 

"     "  F.  Gebard 

"     15 

149.85 

"     '•  Robbins  &  Painter 

"     16 

484.92 

•'     •'  Sindam  &  Jackson 

"     17 

571.75 

"     "  Wolf  &  Clark 

"     i8 

484.65 

»7o] 


WYRTH'S  OREGON  KXPRDITIONS. 
CLXIII. 


"3 


^         T      ^,  .  ^-  ^^^^     Peb  14th      1834 

Capt  Jos  Thing  (piesent) 

„_,,„,„  Sir     You   will  please  call  on  Mess.  Wolf 

&  Llark  Pearl  St.  and  ascertain  if  they  have  shipped  to  Mess 
Wyeth  &  Norris  Baltimore  some  Rifles  and  Indian  Knives  for  me 
and  if  so  you  will  bring  on  with  you  the  bills  lading  but  if  they 
have  not  you  will  bring  these  goods  with  you  by  the  boats  and 
railroads  provided  this  route  is  open  but  if  it  is  not  you  will  have 
to  ship  them  which  do  by  the  first  vessell. 

This  is  all  that  occurs  to  my  mind  now.  You  will  attend  to 
any  suggestion  which  Mess.  Cripps  &  Wyeth  may  give  in  relation 
to  this  buisness,  and  oblige  yrs  &c     N.  J.  W. 

P.  S.  There  are  at  Wolf  &  Qarks  20  rifles,  2  spades,  and  -to 
doz  scalping  knives.    . 

CI.XIV. 

_        _  Philadelphia     Feb  1 8th     i8u 

Capt  Thing  '^^ 

Dear  Sir  Having  found  the  cloths  which  I  wanted  in 
this  place,  it  becomes  expedient  to  have  the  goods  still  in  N.York 
forwarded  as  soon  as  possible,  therefore  please  bring  them  on  by 
the  Boats  and  Rail  Road  as  soon  as  you  can  get  them. 

Yrs  &c     N  J  Wyeth 

CLXV.  ' 


Bro. 


Philadelphia     Feb  18th      18-14 
L[e]ond  '^^ 

I  have  found  in  this  place  the  Scarlett  Cloths  which 
I  wanted,  will  you  have  the  goodness  to  inform  Mr.  Stewart  that 
he  need  not  buy  any  on  our  ace. 

Please  forward  any  letters  that  may  come  to  you  for  me  on  or  be- 
fore the  19th  inst.  to  care  of  Charles  Balto. 

And  believe  me  yr.  afte.  Bro. 

Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

CLXVI. 

Philadelphia     Feb.   i8th     1814 
Bro.  I.[e]ond.    (N.  York) 

Herewith  I  introduce  to  your  acquaintance  Mr.  E.  M.  Samuel 
of  Liberty  Missouri.  I  have  received  from  him  the  utmost  kind- 
ness and  attention  when  it  was  particularly  acceptable.  Anyatten- 
tention  that  you  shew  him  will  much  oblige  me. 

I  hope  you  are  by  this  much  better  than  when  I  left  vou  and 
am  anxious  to  get  a  letter  from  you  informing  me  of  the  state  of 
your  health. 

Yr  Afte.  Bro.    X.  J.  Wyeth 


114 


CORRESPONHRNCR: 


[171 


!'■ 


CI.XVII. 

Philadelphia     Feb.  i8th     1S34 
Mess  Tucker  &  Williams  (Boston) 

Gent  I  have  seen  Mr.  Samuel.  He  assures  me  that  the  buis- 
ness  of  purchasing  mules  and  horses  is  going  on  as  fastas  economy  will 
permit  and  thinks  we  will  have  no  difficulty  as  to  men  or  animals. 

I  do  not  feel  like  trusting  to  any  particular  house  at  the  west- 
ward for  funds,  inasmuch  as  by  possibility  they  might  not  be 
able  to  give  me  the  amt.  of  cash  that  I  might  want.  The  amt. 
disbursed  by  you  in  Boston  with  what  I  have  already  drawn  for 
is  about  $3900  and  possibly  here  or  at  Cincinati  I  may  draw  for  600$ 
more  and  $2000  which  you  arranged  for  through  Rockhill  &  Co. 
This  will  leave  of  the  original  sum  of  $16000  $9500  of  which  amt. 
5500$  [are  reserved]  to  meet  my  drafts  from  the  mountains  [pay- 
ment] must  be  made  through  the  bank  as  arranged. 

I  have  procured  from  Mess  Grant  &  Stone  letters  of  credit 
backed  by  one  from  Mess  T.  C.  Rockhill  &  Co.  and  you  will 
please  forward  to  Mess  Grant  &  Stone  authority  to  draw  on  you 
for  4000$  at  sight  whenever  they  have  paid  my  drafts  to  that  or  a 
less  amount.  Also  please  forv  ird  the  letters  of  credit  from  the 
Cashier  of  the  Branch  in  Boston  to  the  Cashier  of  the  Branch  in 
St.  lyouis  to  the  care  of  Mess  Von  PhuU  &  McGill. 

Herewith  you  have  notice  of  bill  drawn  on  you  from  this 
place  and  also  bills  paid  here  also  duplicate  list  of  bills  drawn  on 
you  from  N.  York  as  per  my  letter  of  14th  inst. 

I  leave  for  Baltimore  at  7  in  the  morning  and  Remain, 

Yr.  Obt.  Servt.  X.  J.  Wyeth. 


CI^XVIII. 


1834 


Philadelphia     Feb  iSth 
Mess  Grant  &  Stone 

Gent  Since  seeing  you  it  has  occured  to  my  mind  to  request 
you  to  forward  letters  if  any  should  come  for  me  to  the  care  of 
Mess.  Wyeth  &  Norris  of  Baltimore.  Also  to  say  that  my  first 
draft  on  you  will  be  No.  10,  and  follow  in  regular  series  till 
the  amt.  is  completed. 

I  am  Yr  Obt.  Ser\'t    N.  J.  W. 

CIvXIX. 

Philad.     Feb  i8th    1834 
Capt  Thing, 

Dear  Sir  I  write  merely  to  say  that  there  is  noth- 
ing for  you  to  attend  to  in  this  place  except  to  call  on  Geo.  W. 
Carpenter  Druggist  Markett  St.  and  see  Mr.  Nuttall  and  let  him 
know  that  you  are  going  on,  he  wishes  to  keep  company  with 
you. 

Yr  &c    N.  J.  Wyeth. 


ml 


WYRTirS    ORRGON     KXPRDITIONS. 


"5 


CI^XX. 

Balto.     Feb  20th     18-14 
Col.  E.  W.  Metcalf    Boston 

Dear  Sir  Your  esteemed  fav.  of  8th  inst. 
reached  me  on  my  arrival  here  last  night.  In  regard  to  the  sub- 
ject of  it  I  think  you  have  a  right  to  suspect  almost  any  thing 
(from  that  quarter)  but  I  assure  you  that  I  have  no  knowledge 
in  regard  to  it.  I  am  well  aware  that  what  you  state  in  regard 
to  the  contract  was  common  report  at  the  time  but  I  have  not  the 
slightest  idea  of  what  prevented  its  going  into  effect. 

I  desire  you  would  believe  that  there  is  no  desire  on  ray  part 
to  withold  information  on  this  or  any  other  subject  and  should  be 
at  all  times  pleased  to  correspond  with  you. 

Respy.  Yr  Obt  vServt.  N.  J.  Wyeth. 


CIvXXi. 


1834 


Balto.     Feb.  20th 
Mrs  Deborah  Powers  (Xansingburg  New  Troy  N  Y.) 

Madam  Your  fav.  I  have  received,  and  most  gladly  com- 
municate the  information  you  desire.  Please  direct  your  letter  to 
the  care  of  Mess  von  PhuU  and  McGill  of  St  Louis  to  reach  there 
by  the  15th  April.  I  have  frequently  endeavored  to  find  the 
directions  of  Mr  Balls  friends  but  had  not  succeeded. 

You  may  be  assured  that  your  brother  shall  want  nothing  that 
I  can  supply  on  my  arrival  out.  I  will  make  some  enquiries 
about  the  Box  which  you  speak  of. 

And  Remain  Yr  Obt.    X.  J.  Wyeth 
ClvXXll. 

Baltimore     Feb.  21st     18-14 
Capt  Thing    Balto. 

Dear  Sir  I  leave  here  bills  lading  for  Two  Cases 
goods  for  Wm.  G.  Sublette,  also  Bills  lading  for  goods  from  Phil- 
delphia  also  Bills  lading  of  goods  from  N.  York  and  the  Bills 
lading  sent  by  you  from  N.  York.  In  addition  to  these  goods 
you  will  have  those  from  Boston  of  which  I  presume  you  have 
the  bills  laditig,  as  they  have  not  been  sent  me.  On  the  receipt 
oi  all  these  goods  you  will  have  the  Cases  &c  overhauled  and 
made  strong  and  put  them  on  board  the  wagons  for  Wheeling  or 
Pitsburgh  taking  receipt  for  the  same  in  the  usual  manner.  Have 
its  weight  marked  on  each  box,  in  order  that  there  may  be  no 
need  of  weighing  more  than  once.  If  by  the  time  you  have-  done 
this  the  traps  have  not  come,  you  will  leave  them  behind, in  which 
case  I  have  left  directions  with  Mess  Wyeth  and  Norris  to  take 
care  of  them.  All  charges  incurred  of  the  Two  Cases  of  Wm.  O. 
Sublette  you  will  keep  separate.  Pay  all  bills  here  and  take  and 
preserve  all  the  bills  and  bring  them  on. 


ii6 


CORRKSPON  OKNX'  K. 


['73 


r- 


i 


I  leave  here  $150  for  you  which  I  have  charged  to  you.  You 
will  call  on  Mess.  Josiah  Lawrence  &  Co.  of  Cincinati  where  I 
will  leave  a  line  for  you 

[No  signature.] 
P.  S.     You  will  manage  the  reshipping  the  goods   when  it   is 
requisite.     You  will  find  here  2  cases  marked  S.  16  and    17  and  a 
barrel  [marked]  S  Xo  18. 

Cl.XXIlI. 

[No  date.] 
Mr  Bradenburgh  [?] 

Dear  Sir  You  will  oblige  nie  by  seeing  that  2  cases 
goods  for  Sublette  and  Campbell  and  one  for  me  per  the  Union 
line  from  Phila.  are  brought  to  the  stoie  also  if  goods  from  Bos- 
ton or  N.  York  should  arrive  liefore  Capt  Thing  comes  have  them 
brought  to  the  store.  All  these  goods  are  to  be  sent  to  Wheeling 
or  Pitsburgh  and  you  will  oblige  me  by  putting  Capt.  Thing  in 
the  way  of  doing  this  in  the  best  maimer  and  advise  him  as  to  the 
suitableness  of  the  cases.     Expenses  to  be  paid  by  Capt  Thing. 

Should  any  goods  come  after  Capt  Thing  leaves  this  you  will 
oblige  me  by  forwarding  them  to  Von  PhuU  &  McCiili  St.  Louis 
in  the  best  manner.  Some  traps  are  the  only  [things]  which  I 
now  expect  will  be  too  late  for  Capt  Thing  anct  the  expenses  on 
these  Mess  Wyeth  &  Norris  will  pay  and  and  collect  th«?  same  of 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  of  Boston.  Please  address  me  to  the 
care  of  Mess  Von  PhuU  &  Mc  Gill  of  St.  Louis. 

There  is  here  a  package  of  letters  for  Wm.  G.  Sublette  also  the 
two  cases  goods  which  please  deliver  [to]  him.  You  will  find 
him  at  Bells  House[?]  on  Saturday  or  Monday.  If  he  wishes 
the  goods  can  come  on  with  Capt.  Thing. 

All  letters  for  me  vou  will  please  forward  to  the  care  of  Mess. 
Von  PhuU  &  McGill  St.  Louis  and  if  Bills  of  lading  are  wanted 
for  the  goods  from  Boston  vou  open  letters  for  me  to  find  them. 

N.  J.  W 

CI^XXIV. 

Baltimore     Feb.  21st     1834 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  Boston 

Gent.  Herewith  you  have  duplicate  notice 
of  draft  drawn  on  you  from  Philad.  and  notice  of  draflt]  from 
this  place,  and  list  of  Bills  paid  here.  I  have  lef[t]  with  Wyeth  & 
Norris  $150  to  the  Cr.  of  Capt  Thing  for  the  payt.  of  freight  of 
goods  out. 

List  of  Bills  paid  here 

No.  21,     W^yeth  &  Norris  35. 18 

"     22,     Thomas  Tyson  35.93 

"     23,     Densmore  &  Kyle  69.78 

Duplicate  notice  draf[t]  as  per  letter  of  Feb.  i8th  from   Philad. 


'741 


WYKTH'.S     ORKOON     KXPRniTIONS. 


117 


viz  Liter  Price  &  Co  6  months,    230.18.     Draft  Drawn  from   this 
place  Feb.  20th  fav.  of  Mess.  ,Wyeth  &  Norris  $300.00  at  sight. 

I  am  to  leave  this  to  morrow  morning  therefore  in  [the]  future 
please  address  all  vour  letters  to  the  care  of  Mess  Von  PhuU  & 
McOill  of  St  Louis.  ' 

I  am  yr  obt.  Servt.  N.J.  Wyeth 

CI.XXV. 

Baltimore     Feb  22nd     1S34 
Capt  Thing  (Baltimore) 

Dear  Sir  .Since  mine  of  yesterday  it  has 
occurred  to  me  that  it  would  be  well  to  tr>'  an  observation  with 
oar  instrument  during  the  time  that  you  will  be  waiting  for  the 
goods,  this  in  order  to  see  that  you  have  all  the  requisites  and 
such  as  are  suitable.  If  you  find  any  thing  deficient  you  will  pur- 
chase it  here  if  possible.  The  sextant  had  better  cross  the  mount- 
ains in  your  trunk  if  you  can  find  the  room.  You  will  examine 
the  two  cases  carefully  and  see  that  all  is  tight.  The  bbl.  of  Rum 
at  Wyeth  &  Norris  will  require  to  be  carefully  examined  to  see 
if  it  is  tight  and  the  Boxes  should  be  hooped. 

If  you  find  that  there  is  not  enough  money  left  for  you  you 
will  obtahi  more  by  shewing  that  more  is  requisite  of  Wyeth  & 
Norris. 

I  am  Yr.  Obt.  Servt.     N.  J.  Wyeth 

CI.XXVI. 

Pitsburg     March  [Feb.]  26th     1834 
Capt  Thing 

Dear  Sir  Since  writing  you  at  Baltimore  it  has  oc- 
curred to  me  that  some  medicines  for  the  clap  and  pox  may  be 
wanted  the  men  often  contract  these  di-sorders  before  they  leave 
the  settlements  and  unless  there  are  some  remedy's  the  conse- 
quences are  bad  often  inducing  the  men  to  desert  in  order  to  obtain 
relief.  They  should  be  of  small  bulk  and  little  cost,  and  please 
get  them  at  the  first  place  that  you  can  find  them.  Of  these 
medicines  we  have  plenty  on  the  Brig  and  probably  very  few 
cases  will  occurs  tefore  we  reach  her. 

I  am  Yr.  Obt.  Servt.    Nath.  J.  Wyeth 


CLXXVII. 


1834 


Pitsburgh     Feb  26th 
Dear  Wife    (Camb.) 

Since  leaving  home  have  had  good  luck  enough 
to  get  so  far  and  being  detained  here  one  day  have  time 
to  write  you.  About  the  time  this  reaches  you  it  will  be  time  to 
get  the  things  about  the  house  in  order.  Please  send  my  comp- 
liments to  Mr.  Weld  and  request  him  to  see  to  it  the  small  trees 
must  be  dug  round  except  those  set  out  last  fall.  Have  them  all 
trimmed  but  tak[e]  off  only  dead  branches.     Have  the  the  fences 


\ 

I  IS 


CORRICSPONDKNCI':: 


['75 


I 


li 


ri}i;htecl  up  and   all   things   made   decent,  in  order   that    when    I 
send  any  friend  to  you  you  may  \ye  able  to  receive  him. 

Give  my  love  to  all  friends  and  excuse  this  short  letter.  I 
have  many  to  write  and  am  unused  to  writing  to  ladys  any   way. 

Yr  afte  Husband      N.J.  \V. 
CI.XXVIII. 

Pittsburgh     Feb.  26th     1S34 

I'  Tudor  Esq.  (Boston) 

Sir  Your  fav.  of  17  inst.  came  to  hand  at 
Baltimore.  The  very  flattering  and  liberal  expressions  used  in  it 
demand  an  acknowledgement.  I  am  quite  well  aware  of  the 
value  of  testimonials  from  such  a  source  and  persuaded  that  I  owe 
to  similar  ones  the  power  to  proceed  in  an  enterprise  which  you 
are  pleased  to  say  has  disappointed  soms  of  your  expactations. 

It  affords  me  much  pleasure  to  hear  that  the  ice  buisness  is 
like  to  assume  an  importance  worthy  of  the  perseverance  and 
talent  bestowed  on  it  for  so  many  years.  If  true  satisfaction  is  to 
be  found  it  must  be  I  think  in  the  success  of  ones  plans  against 
the  current  of  the  worlds  opinions  and  the  ridicule  of  fools.  I  do 
not  doubt  that  the  extended  ideas  which  you  take  of  the  buisness 
are  sound  and  the  belief  affords  me  gratification  unalloyed  except 
by  a  fear  that  I  shall  have  no  part  in  the  excitement  of  the  strife 
or  the  glory  of  victory. 

While  you  are  successfull  in  N.  Orleans  these  oppositions  in 
Charleston  are  not  of  so  much  account,  and  up  to  the  time  that  I 
left  circumstances  to  me  indicated  an  unexampled  success  in  these 
but  other  pCllaces  aside  i  am  persuaded  that  experience  enables 
you  to  manage  an  opposition  to  perfection. 

In  regard  co  my  returning  to  the  ice  buisness  I  can  only  say 
that  "lam  pledged"  to  the  buisness  I  am  in,  as  long  as  those  con- 
cerned in  it  csiTTy  it  on  in  the  right  spirit  but  I  will  not  suffer 
small  and  parsimonious  views, in  others,  to  ruin  me  past  redemption, 
or  consume  my  time  and  prevent  me  from  availing  of  a  great  op- 
portunity. I  consider  the  buisness  I  am  r.ow  in  as  of  sure  result 
but  will  not  yield  adequate  returriS  until  the  third  year.  In  the 
mean  time  if  those  concerned  fail  in  confidence  or  preseverance 
all  is  ruin  and  I  shall  not  agai.i  essay  to  trouble  the  waters  of 
these  seas.  Having  engaged  good  fait[h]  impels  me  to  leave  noth- 
ing undone  to  make  this  thing  successfull  and  if  so  to  pursue  it 
for  the  benefit  of  all,  but  if  they  put  this  out  of  my  power  and  you 
are  inclined  I  shall  then  return  on  the  best  terms  I  can  to  the  ice 
buisness. 

I  shall  write  you  at  all  opportunities  and  next  from  the 
rendezvous  in  the  Rocky  mountains  when  I  will  give  you  any  in- 
dication that  may  then  appear  as  regards  the  probable  result  of 
this   buisness. 


T761 


WYKTH'vS  ORK(;ON  EXPKDITIONS. 


"9 


I  note  the  kiuu  wishes  at  the  end  of  your  letter  if  mine  in  re- 
turn are  an  equivalent  you  have  plenty  of  them  and  be  assured 
sincere.  I  am  vr.  obt.  Servt. 

Nathl  J    Wyeth. 

CLXXIX. 

Pit.;burgh     Feb  26th     1S34 
Mess  Tucker  &  Williams  (Boston) 

Gent  Some  conversation  while 
on  my  route  hither  and  a  previous  acquaintance  has  induced  me 
to  give  letters  of  introduction  to  Mr.  Ira  Smith  of  St.  Louis  direct- 
ed to  you.  He  thinks  of  visiting  Boston  on  his  return  from  Santa 
Fee  and  if  so  he  will  present  them  at  that  time  and  also  to  com- 
municate to  you  the  following  ideas.  The  present  letter  on  this 
subject  is  only  intended  to  call  your  attention  [to  the  matter]  in 
order  that  you  may  collect  what  information  you  can  in  regard  to 
it,  and  if  such  examination  is  favorable  to  the  project  and  after 
those  in  hand  now  have  been  made  to  pay  and  leisure  afforded  to 
establish  new  sources  of  profit  then  to  take  hold  of  it.  The  fol- 
lowing statement  is  my  view  of  the  Santa  Fee  buisness,  derived 
however  from  superficial  observation,  viz 
First  cost  of  goods  carried   to  St  Fee  and  duties  paid 

the  Mexican  Government $100,000 

Outfits  and  expenses  on  same 50,000 

Profits  and  interest  in  the  States  between  the  importer 

and  the  St  Fee  Trade  25,000 


Returns  made  from  St.  Fee  in  Specie  and  Beaver 
Profits  remaining  to  the  St.  F'ee  Traders 


$175000 
$200000 
$  25000 


This  is  I  presume  about  the  result  of  the  trade.  The  goods 
are  carried  to  St  Fee  by  about  30  distinct  traders  in  about  75 
wagons.  The  largest  trader  has  rarely  more  than  1 2  wagons. 
More  than  one  half  of  these  people  are  farmers  and  buy  their 
goods  on  1 2  months,  and  often  mortgage  their  farms  and  conse- 
quently are  obliged  to  make  returns  the  same  year,  and  will  not 
follow  the  trade  more  than  one  year  with  bad  success  under  any 
circa  instances  and  certainly  not  when  you  consider  that  unless 
there  is  a  sufficient  company  it  is  not  possible  to  go  through  on 
the  Sta  Fee  route.  The  idea  that  I  have  is  this  (when  we  are 
read)-  to  make  such  large  investments)  take  $50000  first  cost  of 
goods  to  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia  with  say  $5000  in  silver  to 
pay  the  duties  transport  them  up  country  and  encamp  there 
near  Sta  Fee  and  enter  only  to  the  amt.  of  5000$  duties  from  the 
sale  of  these  goods  get  the  means  to  enter  the  residue.  The 
mildness  of  the  climate  west  of  the  mountains  will  enable  to  bring 
these  goods  to  Santa  Fee  two  months  earlier  than  the  St.  Louis 
traders  will  come  during   which   time   con.siderable   sales   will  be 


[2() 


C()RKi:si'()N'r)f<;xci<:: 


h77 


f^:i 


made  wlicu  ihey  come  put  the  goods  down  so  that  tliey  must  loose 
iit  the  same  time  buy  them  out  so  that  they  will  loose  a  little. 
They  must  return  in  alx)ut  2  months,  after  which  time  and  dur- 
ing; the  rest  of  the  year  goods  will  resume  their  accustomed  prices. 
The  sales  of  the  first  year  will  probably  be  one  half  consumed  in 
])urchases  made.  I  do  not  believe  that  a  company  could  be  got  to 
go  from  »St  Louis  the  next  year  if  so  a  very  small  one  and 
must  1)2  treated  the  same  as  the  first  after  which  time  I  think  it 
is  a  matter  of  absolute  certainty  that  we  should  get  the  whole 
trade.  I  have  not  made  the  re(inisite  enquiries  but  do  not 
calculate  on  any  saving  of  distances  by  taking  the  goods  from  the 
Columbia  but  only  of  duties  merch[an]ts  profits  in  States  and 
animals  and  in  transporting  to  which  there  will  be  an  ofFsett  of  in- 
terest. 1  think  that  after  the  3d  year  one  third  of  all  the  re- 
turjis  of  the  trade  might  l^e  profit.  The  route  from  the  Columbia  to 
Santa  Fee  is  the  same  in  part  as  to  the  mountains  and  the  returns 
such  as  would  not  interfere  materially  with  the  cargo  of  vSalmon 
being  entirely  Beaver  and  specie. 

Mr.  Smith  is  Brother  of  the  vSmith  killed  on  the  Sta  Fee  route 
in  1829.  He  bears  an  excellent  reputation  here  and  thinks  he 
would  put  $10000  into  such  a  buisness.  He  has  bee»  'wo  years  in 
this  trade  and  is  the  largest  Dealer  in  it.  If  anything  "ild  be  done 
it  would  require  another  partner  in  the  Indian  c  ..y,  and  I 
presume  no  better  person  could  be  found.  I  object  however  to 
any  further  proceeding  in  this  matter  other  than  collecting 
infomation  until  what  we  have  now  in  hand  has  proved  itself 
which  will  be  about  three  years  then  if  successfuU  and  it  be  found 
expedient,  I  am  for  it.  In  the  mean  time  let  us  blow  the  coals, 
that  the  fire  in  Smiths  mind  may  not  go  out.  It  is  a  buisness 
that  he  opened  to  me  and  I  think  that  he  may  be  kept  in  tow 
until  we  are  ready  to  say  yes  or  no. 

I  am  desirou.;  to  get  the  Hudsons  Bay  Cos.  public  sales  in  Lon- 
don and  all  other  information  touching  furs  that  can  be  obtained 
which  please  forward  by  next  vessell 

I  am  yr.  obt.  Servt.    N.  J.  W. 
CLXXX. 

Wheeling     Feb  27th     rS34 
Mr.  Jno.  Bradenburgh  [?]     Baltimore 

Dear  Sir  There  is  a  package  of  letters  for 
Mr.  Wm.  L.  Sublette  at  the  store  which  please  have  forwarded  to 
the  care  of  Mess  A.  and  G.  W.  Can  &  Co  St  Louis.  The 
Goods  which  belong  to  Mr.  Wm.  G.*  Sublette  you  will  please 
have  forwarded  with  mine 
&c  N.  J.  W. 

*The  second  initial  of  Wm.  vSublette's  name  was  uniformly  written  as  "G" 
in  the  letter  book.  A  reviser  has  however  written  an  "1,"  over  the  "G"  in 
almost  every  instance.  The  "L"  has  alone  been  given  wherever  it  thus 
occurs. 


! 


1781 


WVKTH'S    ORHr.ON     ICXI'KDITIOXS. 
CI.XXXl. 

Cinoiiiati     I'eh  2Sth     iS33[4] 


itl 


Capt  Thing     Present, 

Dear  Sir     I  leave  here  no  buisness    for   you    to 
attend  to  but  wish  you  would  call  at  the  I'ost  Office  in    Louisville 
where  if  I  purchase   any   thing    I   shall   leave   a  letter   for   you. 
Should  you  be  in  want  of  money  here  you  will  obtain  it  of  Mess. 
Josiah  lyawrence  &  Co, 

I  am  Yr  obt  vServt.     N  J  Wyeth 

CI,XXXII. 

Cincinati     March  ist     1H34. 
Mess  Tucker  &  Williams     Boston 

Gent  Yours  of  i8th  ulto.  received 
here.  What  you  say  of  the  traps  is  good.  I  presume  that  you 
have  rec[e]ived  notice  before  this  that  Capt.  Thing  joined  me  in 
N.York,  and  of  the  arrangement  I  made  in  regard  to  drafts  from 
St  Louis.  From  this  place  I  drew  on  you  for  $300  in  fav.  of 
Lawrence  &  Co  sight.  I  purchase  no  goods  here  Sublette  pre- 
ferring to  buy  his  Powd<  r  in  St.  Louis  which  is  better  for  us. 
$165  of  this  money  goes  to  pay  a  draft  which  Abbot  drew  on 
rae  in  fav.  of  Mr.  Sublette  of  which  I  had  no  notice  until  lately 
and  did  not  j  ustly  owe  but  choose  to  pay  to  save  discredit.  After 
I  have  finished  spending  I  shall  endeavour  to  forward  means  by 
which  you  will  be  in  funds  to  the  extent  of  my  deficiency  so  far 
as  I  shall  then  know  it  but  am  afraid  that  if  money  continues  as 
present  in  Boston  I  shall  not  be  able  to  come  quite  up  to  the 
mark. 

Duplicate  notice 

Draft   fav.  of  Mess.  Wyeth    &    Norris   [at]   sight    for  $300.00 
Feb.  20th  1834 

N.  J.  W. 

CI.XXXIII. 

Cincinnati     March  ist     1834 
Mess  Grant  &  Stone     Philad. 

Gent     I  write  only  to  inform  j'ou  that  my 
first  draft  will  be  from  St  Louis  No  1 1  having   since  I  wrote   you 
had  occasion  to  draw  one  draft  more  on  Boston  than    I   expected 
And  remain  yr  obt  Servt     N  J  W 

CLXXXIV. 

Louisville     March  3d     1834 
Mess  Allison  and  Anderson      Louisville 

Gent.  For  fear  that  in  the  hurry  of 
buisness  you  might  forget  my  directions  I  recapitulate  viz  Mark 
from  20  upwards.     \V.  and   ship  to  Mess  Von  Phull  &  McGill  of 


I     I 


IPP 


132 


CORRESPONDKNCR: 


[179 


St.  Louis  by  first  direct  opportunity.     Capt.  Thing  calls  on    you 
before  vou  have  done  this  deliver  them  to  him, 

and  oblige   Yr  Obt.  Servt.    N.  J.  W. 

CLXXXV. 

I/)uisville     March  3d     1834 
Capt.  Thing     (lyOuisville) 

Dear  Sir  You  will  find  at  Mess  Alli- 
sons &  Andersons  3  bbls  Alcohol  and  1 1  packages  Tobacco, 
provided  they  do  not  ship  the  same  before  you  arrive  in  this  place 
in  which  case  you  will  proceed  direct  to  St.  Louis. 

I  am  &c    N  J  Wyeth 

CI^XXXVI. 

Louisville     March  4th     1834 
Mess  Yon  PhuU  &  McGill    St.  Louis 

Gent  Above  you  have  Bill  Lading  of 
some  goods  which  if  they  arrive  before  me  please  receive  and  take 
care  of  until  I  come 

And  oblige  Yr  Obt  Servt.     N.  J.  W 

(Enclosing  Bill  Ladings  1 1    packages  Tol>acco,  3   bbls  alcohol 
and  3  coils  of  manilla  rope.) 

CLXXXVII. 

Louisville     March  5th     (834 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  (Boston) 

Gent  V^rmit  me  introduce  to  your  acquain- 
tance Mr  Ira  G.  Smith  from  him  you  can  obtain  much  u?cful  in- 
formation in  regard  to  the  Santa  Fee  buisness  in  which  he  has 
been  engaged  some  years.  Any  assistance  which  5'^ou  can 
render  him  in  Boston  wUl  much  oblige  3'^our 

Obt.  Servt    Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

CLXXXVIII. 

Louisville    March  4th     1834 
Mr.  Jas.  Brown     Boston 

Dear  Sir  Herewith  I  introduce  to  your  ac- 
quaintance Mr.  Ira  G  vSmith.  Any  politeness  or  attention  which 
you  can  shew  him  will  much  oblige 

your  old  friend     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

CI.XXXIX. 

Louisville     March  5th     1834 
Bro.  Charles  (Baltimore) 

Allow  me  to  introduce  Mr.  Ira  G.  Smith 
an  acqu'iintance  of  mine  to  you.  He  is  just  from  Santa  Fee  and 
will  amuse  you  with  long  storys  of  Indians  &c.  Shew  him  what 
attention  you  can  and  oblige 

Yr  afte  Bro     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 


•So]  VVYRTH'S  ORRGON  EXPRDITIONS. 

One  of  the  above  to  Leoiid.  I.  Wyeth. 

CXC. 


123 


Mess  Samuel  &  More 


St.  Louis     March  loth     1834 


Gent.  Since  mine  of  12th  ulto.  I  have 
not  heard  from  you  and  do  not  know  what  you  have  done  in  re- 
gard to  Horses,  mules  and  men  and  desire  that  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble you  would  inform  me.  I  shall  engage  here  if  possible  20  men 
but  shall  not  purchase  animals.  The  riding  saddles  please  get  as 
heretofore  ordered. 

While  in  Philadelphia  I  saw  Mr.  Samuel  with  whom  I  ar- 
ranged in  regard  to  money  matters  and  he  informed  me  that  he 
had  written  you  on  the  subject.  In  addition  to  the  money  that 
you  have  received  from  Mess  Von  PhuU  &  McGill  and  the  letter 
of  Cr.  from  T.  C.  Rockhill  &  Co.  I  shall  want  about  $3000 
which  in  all  will  be  about  5400$.  Please  inform  me  if  this  will 
fbe]  convenient  at  your  earliest  opportunity. 

And  oi,:;ge  Yr  Obt  Servt     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 
CXCI. 

St.  Louis     March  nth     1834 
Mr  Jas.  Brown 

Dear  Sir  Expecting,  as  usual,  to  be  a  little 
short  of  fulfilling  my  engagements  to  the  company  with  which  I 
am  concerned  I  have  to  request  of  you  the  favor  of  getting  a  dis- 
count for  me  provided  they  call  for  it. 

I  have  left  with  Tucker  &  Williams  a  note  against  F.  Tudor 
for  $300  also  one  against  Jonas  Wyeth  2nd  $1000.  These  you  know 
are  perfectly  good  and  if  not  formal  can  be  used  collaterally 
and  are  due  about  the  ist  Sept  and  Dec.  next.  If  you  are  not  at 
liberty  to  endorse  owing  to  stipulations  with  your  partners  you 
might  probably  get  the  Colonel  by  7mj'  of  importance  to  do  it 
or  some  one  else.  If  you  will  exert  your  self  in  this  matter  you 
will  essentially  serve  me.  I  shall  write  to  T  &  W.  to  call  on 
you  for  this  purpose  if  they  find  it  requisite. 

Yours  of  the  17  ulto.  was  received  am  sorry  your  neighbors  are 
cracking  and  glad  that  you  are  not.  Shall  write  you  again  just 
as  I  leave  the  world. 

Yr  Afte  Friend,     N.  J.  W. 

CXCII. 

vSt.  Louis     March  nth     183/. 
Mess  Grant  &  Stone 

Gent.     This  is  to  inform  you  that    I  have   this 
day  drawn  on  you  for  $tooo  at  ro  days  sight  fav.  Mess,  of  A.  and 


ir^ 


124 


CORRRvSPONDKNCK: 


[iSi 


11 


(i.  W.  KeiV'-  No  1 1  for  the  amt.  of  which  please  draw   on    Mess. 
Tucker  &  Williams  Boston  as  arraiige[d]  and  oblige 

yr.  oh  Servt.     N.  J.  \V 

CXCIII. 

St.  Louis     March  13th     1834 
Mess  Tucke[r]  &  Williams     Boston 

Gent.  Your  favours  of  the  1 8th  and  22nd 
ulto.  are  at  hand.  I  presume  you  have  before  this  received  my 
letter  of  21st  Feb  from  Baltimore  and  26th  ulto  from  Pitsburgli, 
Your  letters  of  Cr.  on  the  Branch  Bank  here  for  $4000  I  sbail  pot 
be  able  to  use  and  I  have  already'  drawn  from  this  place  on  Mes.?. 
Grant  &  Stone  for  $1000  10  days  sight.  For  remaining  $30'jo 
of  this  credit  I  shall  endeavour  to  get  the  time  provided  by  yjur 
letters  with  the  bank,  from  Samuel  and  More.  But  Mr.  Samuel 
having  gone  to  Liberty  the  day  before  your  letters  were  received 
and  having  made  an  arrangement  with  him  it  might  be  a  serious 
disappointment  to  him  not  to  obtain  my  bills  to  make  his  pay- 
ments at  the  East  but  still  it  will  amt.  to  about  the  same  thing  as 
the  bills  will  be  drawn  much  later.  Had  your  letter  arrived  one 
day  earlier  I  should  have  avoided  drawing  say  No.  11  at  so 
short  a  sight.  The  Cr.  of  $5500  to  be  used  from  the  Mountains  is 
entirely  satisfactory. 

The  Traps  will  be  in  Season  under  ordinary  circumstance  and  I 
have  taken  out  an  open  policy  for  $3300  ft  m  Pitsburg  to  this 
place  on  such  goods  as  may  be  shipped  at  i  pr  ct. 

I  note  that  you  have  written  to  Mess  Samuf '  &  More.  Mr. 
Coxe  charges  on  drafts  one  per  ct.  and  I'jlv.-rest  6  pr  ct.  I 
have  hired  here  for  3  5'ears  one  man  $300  pr  An.  one  for  $250 
per  An.  18  at  $250  for  18  mos.  time  to  expire  in  the  Indian 
country.  Advances  and  Horses  will  exceed  the  estimate  I  think 
but  can  not  yet  say  how  much.  I  arrived  here  the  loth  inst 
having  had  as  I  believe  the  Cholera  on  the  route  but  am  now  well. 

Fitzpatric  was  robbed  by  the  Crow  Indians  of  his  horses  and 
goods  but  has  made  2300  lbs.  Beaver  and  2  of  his  parties  not 
heard  from  when  he  wrote.  »Should  his  other  parties  do  as  well 
it  will  be  a  good  hunt  after  all. 

Seaton  sends  out  a  party  of  about  40  men  and  we  propose  to 
join  company  through  the  dangerous  countrj'.  This  with  super- 
numeraries will  make  us  about  120  strong  enough  to  flog  all  the 
Indians  in  the  country.  Of  my  own  funds  here  I  shall  not  be 
able  to  collect  more  than  600$.  In  the  mean  time  I  have  written 
to  Mr.  James  Brown  firm  of  Hilliard,  Gray  &  Co  who  is  my  at- 
torney to  get  discounted  some  of  the  notes  which  I  left  with  you 
which  under  any  ordinary  circumstances  he  will  and  can  very 
readily  do  if  you  will  call  on  him  and  this  is   all   the  arrangement 

*Written  "Can"  when  previously  mentioned. 


1 82] 


WYKTH'vS  ORK(U:)X  KXPRDITlONvS. 


125 


which  I  can  make  to  meet  any  deficiency  that  may  appear  against 
me.  The  Cash  paid  by  me  trom  my  own  funds  in  this  place  will 
not  exceed  $600.,  which  is  in  addition  to  what  stands  to  my 
Credit  with  yoit. 

I  this  day  received  a  letter  from  the  Gov.  of  the  Hudsons  Bay 
Co.  in  London  in  regard  to  the  proposition  which  I  made  them 
and  of  which  you  have  a  copy  in  my  letter  of  Nov.  S  18^3  de- 
ferring a  definite  answer  to  the  same  until  the  express  from  the 
Columbia  was  received  it  appears  that  their  ships  were  last  year 
frozen  up  at  Hudsons  Bay  in  consequence  of  which  they  had  no 
news  from  the  Columbia  of  the  vear  in  which  I  was  there. 

"cS:  &c     N.  J.   \V. 

CXCIV. 

vSt.   Louis     March  i8th     1S34 
Bro.  Jacol> 

I  had  hoped  to  find  you  here  or  at  least  a  letter 
from  you  l>ut  do  not,  and  therefore  write  to  say  a  sort  of  farewell 
before  I  again  encounter  the  uncertainies  of  the  wilderness. 
After  leaving  you  at  the  rendesvous  we  moved  on  with  tolerable 
comfort  and  success  in  the  way  of  Hunting  and  trading  until  we 
arrived  at  the  Coast  where  we  found  the  ves.sel  that  I  had  expect- 
ed had  been  lost.  This  was  a  signal  for  the  rest  to  desert  and 
truly  I  was  glad  to  be  rid  of  them  altho  thereby  all  the  pro- 
ceeds of  the  expedition  were  sacrificed  or  buried  in  the  Mountains. 
I  then  commenced  my  return  with  two  hired  men  and  during  the 
time  from  the  ist  March  last  until  the  loth  Oct.  made  my  way  to 
St.  Louis  and  in  due  time  home.  The  old  concern  being  dis[s]olved, 
I  formed  a  new  one  and  am  now  on  m)-  way  to  the  Columbia  having 
sent  a  vessell  round  the  Horn  and  am  taking  a  company  of  50 
men  overland  to  go  over  again  the  toils  and  r.ufFering  and  perhaps 
the  losses  of  which  you  saw  a  part,  and  this  will  either  make  or 
lireak  me.     Thus  much  for  myself. 

I  hear  that  you  are  doing  well  and  have  far  the  best  practice  in 
your  place.  •  Industry  will  keep  this  and  economy  will  make  it 
ample  for  your  wants.  Yrs.  of  the  8th  Dec.  last  I  received  and 
mark  that  you  say  that  your  "prospects  are  great  and  getting 
better,  as  you  always  knew  they  would  be,  if  once  disengaged  from 
your  friends  as  they  //id /cf'o[/<]s/y  stile  themselves  who  have  always 
weighted  you  down  &c  stifling  all  your  energies  &c."  Whether 
friendly  to  you  or  not  or  whether  I  ever  stated  myself  to  be,  im- 
ports nothing  and  whether  you  intended  me  or  others  imports  as 
little.  All  the  comment  1  can  make  on  the  passage,  is  to  ask 
you,  who  supported  your  early  life  of  idleness  and  dissipation, 
until  it  was  Ijeyond  the  power  of  any  friends  to  do  it  longer?  and 
who  on  your  return  from  the  Mts.  enabled  you  10  avail  yourself 
of  your  present  prospects?  I  have  never  yet  read  a  passage  which 
so  strongly  indicated  the  truth  of»)neofRochefocaulds  maxims  viz. 


126 


CORRKSPOXUKXCK: 


[183 


ii 


' '  I  f  you  would  wish  to  make  a  man  your  irrecousilable  enemy  do  him  a 
kindness  he  cannot  repayC '  ].  I  have  done  you  the  favor  not  to  shew 
this  letter  to  your  friends  believing  that  you  did  not  appreciate 
the  words  when  you  wrote  them  and  that  it  might  be  only  an  ex- 
ebition  of  that  inconsiderateness  which  forms  a  part  of  your  char- 
acter. 

I  hear  that  you  are  to  be  married  and  to  one  who  is  said  to  be 
worthy  of  you  or  any  one  else.  Altho  you  do  dot  seem  to  allow 
that  I  should  call  myself  your  friend  yet  perhaps  you  will  admit 
me  to  sug[g]est  that  economy  will  be  the  best  mode  to  maintain 
that  independency'  which  you  have  now  so  fully  declared  more  es- 
pecially as  ih  regard  to  it  I  have  been  wanting  as  well  as  yourself. 
Be  assured  that  much  of  the  comfort  of  your  married  life  will  de- 
pend upon  your  being  able  to  maintain  a  respectable  appearance 
among  your  acquaintance.  Want  and  pleasure  do  not  associate, 
and  beside  if  your  income  can  be  made  sufficient  nothing  would 
be  more  to  your  credit  than  to  pay  off  some  of  your  small  debts  to 
the  Eastward.  This  would  make  your  father  much  more  com- 
fortable 'lan  he  now  is  and  would  in  the  end  I  have  no  doubt 
afford  you  more  pleasure  than  you  could  purchase  with  the  same 
money  in  any  other  way. 

I I  affords  myself  and  your  other  friends  no  little  pleasure  to 
hear  that  your  exertions  are  praiseworthy  and  that  at  last  you 
are  likely  to  make  a  man  of  yourself  that  you  have  quit  all  sorts 
of  dissipation  and  have  formed  industrious  habits.  That  you 
may  continue  in  this  c[o]urse  is  the  sincere  wish  of 

Yr  afte  Bro     N.  J.  \V. 

CXCV. 

St.  lyouis     March  19th     1834 
MrNuttall 

Dear  vSir  Capt  Thing  informs  me  that  you  wait  informa- 
tion from  me  before  you  leave  Philad.  I  can  not  tell  exactly  what 
time  I  shall  leave  St.  Louis,  but  of  this  T  am  certain  that  you  will 
have  no  time  to  spare  after  you  receiver  this  and  when  you  arrive 
at  St.  Louis  call  on  Mess  Von  PhuU  &  McGill  who  will  inform 
5'ou  if  I  have  gone  up  the  river  in  which  case  follow  as  fast  as 
you  can.  At  Liberty  or  Independence  you  will  hear  if  I  have 
started  and  how  long.  If  I  have  not  been  gone  more  than  three 
or  four  days  with  a  good  horse  you  will  easily  overtake  me  before 
you  come  to  any  dangerous  country  following  the  trail  of  my 
horses. 

I  shall  probably  not  leave  Independence  before  the  25th  April 
and  perhaps  not  quite  so  soon.  Much  depends  uvton  the  grass 
whether  it  is  fit  to  feed  the  horses  or  not.  At  present  appear- 
ences  indicate  an  early  spring. 

I  am  Yr  Obt.  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  W'yeth 


m 


1S4] 


wYETirs  ori:gon   kxpkditioxs. 

CXCVI. 


197 


St.  Louis     March  21st     1834 


Mess  Samuel  &  More 

Gent  Enclosed  you  have  list  of  men  which 
I  send  up.  The  passage  is  ""is-so  a  piece  which  please  pay  for  all 
that  are  delivered,  and  when  they  arrive  please  find  some  house 
where  they  can  stop  and  cook  their  food.  Supplv  them  with  pro- 
visions until  I  come  and  let  them  cook  for  themselves.  I  shall  be 
up  in  the  next  Boat. 

I  have  paid  the  Capt  $25  which  please  deduct  from  his  bill 
unless  he  shows  that  he  has  supplied  these  men  with  provisions 
which  he  is  authorized  to  do  in  case  those  on  board  run  short. 

Yr  &c     N.  J.  W. 

P.  S.  Having  blkts  on  the  route  I  have  given  these  men  none. 
If  you  could  hire  their  lodging  cheap  I  would  pay  for  it  or  get 
them  some  bedding  until  I  come  by   paying   for   the   use   of  it. 

Also  authorizeing  Mess.  Samuel  &  More  to  pay  one  dollar  extra  for 
any  of  the  men  who  did  not  wood  on  the  way  and  in  proportion 
to  the  distance  if  they  should  desert. 

X.  J.  W. 

CXCVI  I, 

St.  Louis     March  28th     1834 
Mess  Samuel  &  More     Liberty. 

Gent  Your  fav.  of  20  inst  came  to  hand 
to  day.  I  am  sorr>'  that  you  have  raa'^e  a  contract  for  saddles  at 
10$  each.  You  have  either  mistaken  tue  kind  I  wanted  or  have 
paid  far  too  much.  Such  as  I  wanted  without  stir[r]ups  or  girths 
as  I  ordered  them  can  be  had  here  at  $4  each.  Please  get  off 
from  taking  as  many  as  j^ou  can  of  these  saddles,  and  if  you  have 
not  already  engaged  6  better  ones  that  I  ordered  you  may  leave  it 
until  I  come.  You  do  not  tell  me  what  you  are  giving  for  animals 
or  how  many  you  have  bought.  I  shall  probably  come  up  on  the 
next  Boat  say  in  about  eight  days  from  the  time  you  receive  this. 
In  the  mean  time  I  remain 

Yrs  &c.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 
CXCVIII. 

St.  Louis     March  28th     1734 

Bro  Leond 

Allow  me  to  introduce  to  your  acquaintance  an  uncle 
of  Bro  Jacobs  intended,  Col.  Geo.  \V.  Jones  of  Galena.  He 
gives  so  good  an  account  of  the  Doct.  that  I  know  5'ou  will  take 
great  pleasure  in  conversing  with  him 

Yr.  afte  Bro.    Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 


I2S 


COTiRKSPONDKXCr:: 
CXCIX. 


['85 


St.  lyouis     March  31.SI     1834 

Dear  wife     (Cambridge) 

Your  fav.  of  13th  came  to  hatid  this  moniing  and  was  very 
acceptable.  I  am  glad  to  find  yon  will  take  some  care  of  the 
trees.  Perhaps  they  will  not  grow  for  our  use  but  some  one  will 
get  the  benefit  and  it  will  be  pleasant  to  leave  even  such  a  mem- 
orial of  our  having  once  existed.  It  is  true  that  Mr.  Fitzpatric  was 
robbed  by  the  Crow  Indians  but  I  was  in  hopes  that  you  would 
not  hear  of  it.  I  knew  it  before  I  left  Cambridge  but  did  not 
wish  to  alarm  you.  I  do  not  think  there  is  much  danger  with  so  large 
party  as  I  shall  have. 

Mr.  Nuttall  and  Mr.  Townsend  another  naturalist 
passed  through  this  place  to  the  rendezvous  last  week  and 
their  goods  went  by  the  vessell  so  there  is  no  doubt  of  his  going. 
The  Missionarys  came  here  this  morning.  Mr.  Abbot  is  at  the 
rendezvous  taking  care  of  the  horses.  Batiste  and  the  Indian  I 
have  also  sent  up  to  the  rendezvous.  Batiste  continues  a  pretty 
good  boy.  I  shall  think  of  your  request  for  seeds  and  pretty 
stones  while  I  am  on  my  way  out,  and  certainly  shall  not  forget 
my  promise  to  send  for  5'ou  if  there  is  any  chance  of  doing  so 
with  propriety  but  you  must  not  be  too  sanguine  a  thousand 
circumstances  may  prevent  it  altho  I  desire  it  much.  I  feel  as 
much  as  you  can  do  the  lonesomeness  of  my  way  of  life  but  you 
know  the  success  of  what  I  have  undertaken  is  life  itself  to  me 
and  if  I  do  fail  in  it  they  shall  never  say  that  it  was  for  want  of 
perseverance.  But  this  is  my  last  attempt  and  if  I  am  not  suc- 
cessfuU  I  must  come  home  and  endeavour  the  best  waj'  I  can 
to  get  a  living  and  to  pay  my  debts  which  will  theti  be  heavy. 
Still  I  am  yet  sanguine  that  I  shall  succeed.  I  will  take  good 
care  of  myself  and  perhaps  the  life  which  began  in  turmoil  may 
yet  end  in  quiet  and  peace  and  our  sun  go  down  from  a  clear  sky. 
I  should  l>e  desolate  indeed  if  I  thought  that  the  residue  of  life 
was  to  be  as  unsettled  as  the  pa.st,  and  I  cannot  but  reproach  my- 
self that  I  have  made  you  in  some  measure  a  widow  while  you 
ought  to  be  enjoying  yourself.  I  am  afraid  that  you  will  brood 
over  hopes  that  have  been  blasted  by  me  who  should  have  been 
with  you  to  fulfil  them  and  at  hand  in  time  of  need  to  cherish 
and  support.  These  things  make  me  melancholy  and  I  half  be- 
lieve I  have  got  the  Blues. 

Jacob  writes  me  that  he  is  about  getting  married.  The  people 
from  Galena  all  say  that  he  is  doing  well.  I  hope  so  but  cant, 
help  doubting  whether  it  is  permanent. 

Good  l)ye  My  Dear  wife  and  may  God  bless  you. 

N.  J.  Wyeth 


186] 


WYETH'S    ORROON     RXPRDITIONS. 
CC. 


139 


St  Louis    April  3rd     1834 
Mess  Samuel  &  More     Liberty 

Gent,  Your  fav.  of  the  28th  ulto. 
came  to  hand  this  evening.  I  note  that  you  are  getting  horses. 
120  horses  if  good  would  do  me.  To  this  number  you  can  pur- 
chase. If  you  can  get  mules  allow  that  3  are  as  good  as  4 
Horses.  As  to  price  you  are  the  best  judges,  but  I  am  in  hopes 
that  30$  a  piece  will  buy  good  horses  and  $40  mv.les.  I  wrote  you 
on  the  28  ulto.  about  saddles  &c.  I  do  not  wish  you  to  do  any- 
thing more  until  I  come  in  regard  ^o  any  thing  except  Horses 
and  mules.  Please  get  the  animals  shod  as  fast  as  you  buy  them. 
I  am  on  the  loway  with  all  my  goods  and  leave  this  in  the  morn- 
ing and  have  hired  men  enough  with  the  20  I  have  before  sent 
you  except  6  which  please  etigage  if  you  can  find  cheap  and 
good  but  not  otherwise. 

I  am  yr  obt.  vServt.     N.  J.  Wyeth 
CCI. 

St.  Louis    Apri    ^d     1834 
Mess  Grant  &  Stone     Phil.id. 

Gent.  I  have  drawn  on  you  this  day  fav. 
of  Mess  Von  Phull  &  McGill  90  days  sight  No  12  for  $700  for 
which  amt  you  will  draw  on  Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  as  arrang- 
ed and  oblige 

yr.  obt.  Servt.  N.  J.  W. 

ecu. 

St.  Louis     Ap  3d     1S34 
Mess  Tucker  &  Williams     (Boston) 

Gent  I  have  this  day  drawn  on  you  No  13. 
$600  90  days  sight  fav.  H.  S.  Coxe  cashier  of  the  U.  S.  Bank  in 
this  city,  also  this  day  No  12  on  Mess.  Grant  &  Stone  Philad. 
$700  90  dys  sight  of  which  I  have  advised  them. 

AH  the  goods  have  arrive  here  and  are  reshipped  and  itisured  to 
Liberty.  I  shall  leave  this  in  the  boat  in  a  few  minutes  and  shall 
write  you  in  full  from  the  upper  settlements  forwarding  acts[.]  of 
disbursements  and  the  certain  arrangements  of  the  expedition. 

r  am  yr.  Obt.  Servt.     N.  J.  W 
CCIII. 

Independence     Ap.  17th     1834 
Mess  Tucker  &  Williams 

Gent.  Your  fav.  of  the  21st  ulto.  came  to 
hand  to  day.  The  last  of  mine  which  you  acknowledge  is  of  the 
I  St  March  since  which  I  have  written  you  advising  of  the  follow- 
ing draft  viz  A  and  G.  W.  Ken  10  days  sight  on  Grant  &  Stone 
No.  II  $1000  March  nth— Yon  Phull   &    McGill   9[o]    days   on 


'30 


CORRKSPONOFNCK: 


[««7 


Grant  and  Stone  No.  12  $700  April  3d  -H.  S.  Coxe  90  days  on 
Tucker  &  Williams  No  13  $600  dollars  Ap.  3d  making  about 
$6062.45.  1*he  amt  you  speak  of  as  paid  for  Abbot  was  not  paid 
on  Company  ace. but  on  my  own.  He  gambles  but  is  usefull  to  us 
and  owes  us  too  much  to  have  him  stopped.  To  day  I  have  drawn 
on  you  No.  14  fav.  H.  S.  Coxe  90  days  $343.37  also  same  on 
same  date  and  time  $3000  making  in  all  to  this  date  about  9500$ 
and  there  will  be  yet  some  more.  Several  items  not  included  iti 
the  first  estimate  conduce  to  this  such  as  insurance  of  these  vions, 
[?]  passage  for  myself,  Abbot,  Thing  and  two  Indians.  The  op- 
position of  the  4  companies  have  made  me  pay  heavy  advances  on 
men  and  high  prices  for  horses,  in  addition  to  which  I  have  been 
obliged  to  advance  about  $500  to  Milton  Sublette  which  arose 
from  this  circumstance  viz  last  year  Srblette  &  Campbell  took 
out  to  the  mountains  Capt  Stewart  &  Doct.  Harrison  and  author- 
ized  Milton  Sublettes  Company  to  credit  them  and  draw  for  the 
amt.  These  drafts  Sublette  &  Campbell  refused  to  honor  and 
pay  as  soon  as  they  ascertained  that  we  were  to  supply  Milton 
vSublettes  Company  with  goods  unless  Milton  Sublette  would  re- 
main at  home  in  which  case  Sublette  &  Campbell  offered  to  set- 
tle the  acts,  and  pay  the  Drafts.  Sublette  &  Campbell  are  going 
out  with  a  party  of  men  &  goods  to  the  rendesvous  to  the  moun- 
tains. Under  these  circumstances  I  felt  myself  obliged  to  make 
the  advance  above  stated  to  M.  G.  Sublette  and  also  to  purchase 
a  more  expensive  kind  of  animals  then  I  had  at  first  intended  in 
order  to  be  first  at  the  rendesvous  which  I  consider  ver^-  import- 
ant. So  far  I  am  ahead  and  shall  leave  the  settlements  on  the 
26th  or  thereabouts  at  which  time  I  shall  forward  you  acts,  in  full, 
Invoices  muster  roll  &c. 

I  am  now  packing  up.  All  the  goods  have  arrived  here  safely. 
I  have  20  more  horses  to  purchase.  The  season  is  early  and 
everj'^thing  favorable  exoept  that  the  expense  will  \^e  greater 
than  has  been  calculated,  but  as  you  do  not  complain  much  of 
hard  times  I  am  in  hopis  that  you  will  meet  it  willingly  and  re- 
quest 5'ou  to  believe  that  ever>'  exertion  has  been  made  to  keep 
it  within  bounds.  There  are  none  of  the  Dignitaries  with  me  as  yet 
and  if  they  "preach"  much  longer  in  the  States  they  will  loose 
their  passage  for  I  will  not  wait  a  minute  for  them. 

I  am  &c     N.  J.  Wyeth 
CCIV. 

Indpendence     April  25th     1834 
Mess  Tucker  &  Williams 

Gent.  To  day  I  drew  my  last  draft  on  Mess 
Grant  &  vStone  30  days  sight  No  16  2515.66  fav.  of  Samuel  & 
More.  You  will  be  surprised  at  the  amt.  I  have  drawn  but  with- 
out abandoning  the  enterprise  I  could  not  avoid  it  and  there  being 
no  chance  to  refer  to  you,  I   have   taken  the   responsibility   and 


iSS] 


WYETH'vS    ORROON     KXPEDITIONS. 


I3» 


must  abide  the  consequences  if  you  choose  not  to  ratify  ray  act. 
I  should  have  drawn  on  my  own  means  but  I  have  not  got 
them.  There  have  baen  by  the  government  and  the  trading  compan- 
ies purchased  here  above  looo  Horses  which  accounts  for  the  great 
increase  in  the  price.  I  have  been,  obliged  to  advance  to  men  or 
not  get  them  and  once  in  for  it  I  have  been  obliged  to  pay  their 
other  debts,  or  loose  them.  Many  of  them  having  been  taketi  by 
the  officers.  I  shall  make  out  Invoices,  musters,  and  accounts  due 
from  men  and  my  own  account  with  the  concern.  These  I  shall 
send  from  the  Kansas  Agency.  I  should  do  it  here  but  officers 
are  continually  taking  the  men  and  making  more  expense  beside 
time  is  of  the  greatest  importance.  I  go  in  the  morning  and  can 
make  out  these  papers  at  nights.  It  is  like  keeping  a  bag  of  fleas 
together  to  keep  the  men  in  this  whisky  country 
In  haste.     You  will  please  pass  to  m[y]  Cr. 

yr  obt.  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  VVyeth 
CCV. 

Independence     April  26th     1834 
Mess  Tucker  &  Williams 

Gent.  Notwithstanding  what  I  wrote  you 
yesterday  I  have  uiawn  to  day  yet  another  draft  fav.  of  Mess. 
Samuel  &  More  No  17  $120  sight  which  I  hope  and  believe  will 
be  the  last.  I  have  lost  4  cattle  and  2  horses  and  in  case  I  do 
not  find  them  to  day  I  shall  leave  them  behind.  Excuse  .  my 
brevity  at  this  moment  as  I  have  many  things  to  do  and  shall 
write  3'ou  again  as  advised  in  mine  of  yesterday. 

linclosed  you  have  a  note  of  W.  Abbot  to  me  which  please 
hold  for  collection.  This  is  the  debt  which  I  paid  for  him  to 
Sublette  &  Campbell  as  advised  in  mine  of  ist  March  from  Cin- 
cinati  and  credit  the  same  to  my  ace.  and  oblige 

yr  obt.  Servt.  Nathl  J  Wyeth 
CCVI. 
Kanzas  River     May  2d     1S34 
Mess  Tucker  &  Williams 

Gent  This  is  my  last  this  side  of  the  moun- 
tains and  with  it  you  have  my  ace.  with  bills  and  copies  of  bills 
that  are  required  as  v^'ichers  in  the  mountains  also  a  list  of  peo- 
ple terms  of  engagements  and  charges  against  men.  I  am  not 
sure  that  these  papers  are  accurate  as  they  were  made  up  in  camp 
and  in  very  wet  weather  and  much  to  attend  to.  I  have  lost  2 
Horses  4  cows.  2  men  deserted  and  I  expect  some  more  will. 
I  am  the  first  as  yet  in  the  Indian  country.  Excuse  me  from 
writing  more  as  I  am  fatiguea  t'^[o]  much. 

yr  obt.  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 

P.  S.  I  have  not  sent  you  the  invoice  of  my  own  goods  because 
they  will  probably  be  all  charged  to  disbursements  in  case  I  send 


132 


CORRKvSPONDENCR: 


[1S9 


I 


out  a  trapping  party.  I  have  therefore  supposed  it  best  to  charge 
all  except  Sublettes  Invoice  to  Disbursements  and  credit  that  ac- 
count when  any  part  of  it  was  sold. 

CCVII. 

Little  Vermilion     May  8th     1834 
Mess  Tucker  &  Williams 

Gent  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  Mr.  M.  G. 
Sublettes  leg  has  grown  so  troublesome  that  he  is  to  day  obliged 
to  turn  back  and  by  him  I  write  this.  He  has  given  me  an  or- 
der on  his  partner  for  the  arat.  of  advances  made  him  \.  n'able  in 
furs.  I  regret  this  circumstance  much  but  it  was  unavoidable  as 
he  was  perfectly  unable  to  go  on.  4  more  men  have  deserted 
since  mine  of  2nd  inst.  2  men  I  have  hired.  No  more  horses 
have  been  lost.  The  bills  and  acts,  were  forwarded  by  the  same 
conveyance  as  the  letter  of  the  2nd  inst.  We  have  now  crossed  the 
Kanzas  and  are  about  60  miles  above  the  Agency  or  1 20  from  the 
western  limit  of  the  state  of  Missouri. 

In  the  acts,  which  I  forwarded  to  you  you  will  observe  a  mis- 
take of  343.37  which  you  will  please  credit  to  my  ace.  Wish- 
ing you  all  manner  of  good  success  and  the  same  myself  some- 
what on  vour  account  I  remain 

Yr  obt  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

CCVIII. 

One  day  this  side  the  Blue     May  r2th  1834 

Dear  Sir  Wm  Sublette  having  passed  me  here,  I  am  induced 
to  write  to  you  by  this  opportunity  and  hope  you  will  get  it. 
You  may  expect  me  by  the  ist  July  at  the  rendesvous  named  in 
your  letter  to  Milton  which  which  you  sent  by  Dr.  Harrison  who 
opened  it  and  I  presume  told  Wm  Sublette  of  the  place.  I  am 
not  heavily  loaded  and  shall  travell  as  fast  as  possible  and  have  a 
sufficient  equipment  of  goods  for  you  according  to  contract. 
Cerre  will  be  much  later  than  me  and  also  the  Am.  Fur  Co.  Milton 
left  me  a  few  days  since  on  account  of  his  leg  which  is  very  bad. 
I  am  yr  obt.  Servt.     N.  J.  W. 

To  Thos  Fitzpatric  or  Co. 
In  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

P.  S.  I  have  sent  a  vessell  around  the  Horn  with  such  goods 
as  you  want  and  would  like  to  give  you  a  supply  for  winter 
rendesvous  or  next  year  on  such  terms  as  I  know  would  suit  you. 

CCIX. 

Sweet  Water    June  9th     1834 
Mess  Thomas  Fitzpatric  &  Co. 

Gent.  I  send  this  to  inform  you  of 
my  approach  with  your  goods.  I  am  now  two  days  behind  Wm 
Sublette,  who  I  presume  is  with  you   by   this.     Milton  informed 


I9<>] 


WYKTH'S  OREGON  KXPRDITION.S. 


133 


me  that  you  would  rendesvous  near  the  mouth  of  the  Sandy.  Iti 
case  you  do  not  I  wish  you  would  immediately  inform  me  by  ex- 
press. I  am  now  one  days  march  above  rock  Independence  and 
shall  continue  to  come  on  at  a  good  rate  and  for  the  present  fol- 
low the  same  route  which  I  came  by  two  years  since.  I  wish 
that  you  would  defer  making  any  contract  for  carrying  home  any 
surplus  furs  that  you  have  or  for  a  further  supply  of  goods  untill 
I  come  as  I  have  sent  a  vessell  to  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia 
with  such  goods  as  you  want  and  am  ready  to  give  you  a  supply 
for  winter  rendesvous  if  you  wish  or  for  next  year,  and  also  to 
send  home  by  her,  at  a  low  rate,  such  furs  as  you  may  have  and 
can  make  vou  advances  in  St.  Louis  on  them  to  pay  men  &c. 
I  am  yr.  obt.  vServt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 

CCX. 
Hams  fork  of  the  Colorado  of  the  West    June  20th     1834 

Jas.  W.  Fenno  Ksq.     Atty.  at  law     Boston 

Dear  Sir  According  to 
arrangement  I  write  you.  I  have  as  yet  no  certain  knowledge  of 
how  the  buisness  I  am  now  in  will  prove,  or  for  how  long  a 
time  it  may  detain  me.  Our  getting  no  furs  as  yet,  renders  it 
quite  probable  that  it  may  be  given  up  soon.  My  partners  may 
get  discouraged,  if  no  returns  are  made  the  first  year,  and  if  they 
do  I  shall  be  compelled  to  give  the  thing  up.  You  may  feel 
yourself  quite  certain  on  the  return  of  the  first  vessell  if  another 
is  not  sent  out  immediately  that  I  am  coming  home  soon.  Hav- 
ing been  the  instigator  of  this  enterprise  I  cannot  be  the  first  to 
abandon  it  and  have  no  disposition  to  do  so,  but  if  those  engaged 
with  me  do  not  support  me  in  a  proper  manner  so  as  to  enable 
me  to  prosecute  it  successfully  I  must  turn  my  attention  to  some 
other  buisness.  It  is  perhaps  impertinent  in  me  to  advise  and 
quite  likely  you  will  think  me  interested,  nevertheless,  if  you  will 
keep  yourself  aloof  from  the  ice  buisness  for  a  time  I  think  there 
may  be  an  opportunity  tQ  commence  it  more  favorably.  F'or 
some  5'ears  the  buisness  has  been  too  successfull  to  induce  proper 
ideas  of  its  value  and  if  you  should  enter  the  buisness  as  an  agent 
you  will  run  the  chance  of  change  of  opinion  which  might  be 
fatal  to  any  project  on  the  subject.  Little  as  the  above  amounts 
to  it  is  all  that  I  can  say.  Affairs  have  not  yet  given  any  de- 
cided indication  to  enable  me  to  be  more  definate.  This  much  to 
shew  you  that  I  have  not  forgotten  the  subject. 

I  hope  you  have  got  the  patent  arranged  in  such  a  manner 
that  you  can  clap  the  screws  when  occasion  calls. 

Our  route  hither  has  been  attended  with  success  so  far  as  trav- 
elling but  not  otherwise.  We  have  had  no  fighting  and  [have]  seen 
few  Indians  and  what  horses  we  have  lost  have  been  worn  out 
and  not  stolen.  The  companies  here  have  all  failed  of  making 
hunts,  some  fromquar[r]eling  among  themselves  some  from  having 


IM 


CORRKSl'OXDKNCrC: 


[191 


lieeii  defeated  by  the  Indians  atid  some  from  want  of  horses,  and 
what  few  furs  have  been  taken  have  been  paid  to  the  men  for 
their  services  leaving  none  for  me.  I  shall  build  a  fort  (^n  I^ewis 
River  about  a  hundred  and  fifty  miles  west  of  this  which  is  in 
Ivatt.45  deg.  15  min.  I^ong  1 12  deg.  15  min.  and  there  deposite  my 
goods  for  sale  when  there  is  Beaver  to  pay  for  tj'em. 

While  I  am  here  turning  Indian  probably  you  are  turning 
civilized  that  is  getting  married  and  settling  down  to  all  the 
comfort  that  can  be  imagined,  preparing  yourself  an  easy  chair 
for  after  life.  That  you  may  find  not  thorns  when  you  expect 
Down  is  the  wish  of 

your  friend  and  Servt.     Nathl  J.  Wyeth. 
CCXI. 


Hams  Fork  of  the  Colorado  of  the  West     June  20th    1.S34 

r.  Tudor  Ksq. 

Dear  Sir  With  no  adventure  worth  relating  in  the 
way  of  Battle  or  hardship  I  arrived  here  on  the  19th  inst.  having 
left  the  settlements  on  the  ist  May.  And  feel  it  a  duty  to  write 
to  you  altho  I  have  not  much  to  say.  The  contracts  which  I 
made  with  the  company  here  have  not  been  complied  with  and 
in  consequence  I  am  obliged  to  establish  a  fort  which  I  shall  do 
on  Lewis  ^iver  about  a  hundred  mi'f^n  west  of  this  for  the  pur- 
pose of  trading  m^'  g  .i.»  and  then  leave  part  of  my  men 
at  it  and  then  I  oceeu  to  the  Columbia  for  the  further  prosecu- 
tion of  the  buisness.  The  failnt-e  of  adequate  returns  by  the  first 
vessell  may  possibly  vUscoura^^e  those  who  are  concerned  in  this 
thing  at  home  and  in  case  you  find  that  a  vessell  is  not  sent  out 
as  soon  after  the  first  returns  as  possible  you  may  expect 
to  see  me  soon  and  in  such  case  with  a  determination  to  take  any 
reasonable  chance  in  the  ice  buisness  and  stick  to  it  the  remain  - 
der  of  my  buisness  life.  I  cannot  in  eonscience  ask  you  to  defer 
any  thing  for  me  nor  can  I  l)e  the  first  to  abandon  this  under- 
taking having  been  first  in  it,  but  will  not  prosecute  it  further 
than  there  is  a  reasonable  chance  of  success. 

We  have  here  none  of  what  >ou  call  the  comforts  of  life  but 
have  heart  and  health,  and  are  yet  >'oung  a;^  after  i.\\  not  dis- 
couraged which  is  one  half.  If  I  caniKt  surceed  I  will  fail  after 
a  fair  tryal  but  net  before. 

That  3'ou  mcs'  in  the   evening  of  your  days  enjoy  that  comfort 
and  satisfaction  for  which  you   have   :>t.riven   so  hard  and  long  is 
the  wish  of  one  who  feels  under  heavy  obligation  to  you. 
I  am  yr  obt  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 


192] 


WYKTII'S    ORHC.ON     HXl'I-lDITIONS. 


135 


CCXII. 
Hams  fork  of  the  Colorado  of  the  West     June  21st     1S34 
Leoiid  Jarvis  J{sq 

Dear  Sir  I  have  not  time  to  write  much  or 
much  to  say,  but  I  cannot  omit  saying  a  little.  So  far  this  buis- 
ness  looks  black.  The  companys  here  have  not  complied  with  their 
contracts  with  me  and  in  consequence  I  am  obliged  to  make  a 
fort  on  Lewis  River  to  dispose  of  the  goods  I  have  with  me.  I 
think  I  can  in  a  little  time  realize  good  returns,  but  in  the  mean- 
time the  concern  at  home  may  get  discouraged  and  if  they  do  the 
whole  is  spoiled,  and  I  shall  be  obliged  to  give  up  the  buisness. 
After  leaving  a  part  of  my  men  to  take  charge  of  thp  fort  I;  shall 
proceed  to  the  Columbia  and  probably  get  there  about  1st  Sept. 
The  place  I  am  now  at  is  Latt  41  deg  45'  Long  112  deg.  35'.  If 
I  am  obliged  to  return  home  again  it  will  be  to  stay  and  endeavour 
to  pay  off  the  debts  which  I  will  then  owe,  and  believe  that  I  can 
do  so  in  time  with  health. 

Accept  Dear  Uncle  my  wishes  for  your  happiness  and  also  that 
of  my  good  Aunt,  and  believe  me 

Yr  Afte.  Nephew     X.  J.  W. 

ccxiri. 

Hams  Fork  of  the  Colorado  of  the  West     June  21st     1S34 

Dear  Parents  I  arrived  here  on  the  19th 
inst  without  accident  after  a  very  quick  voyage  and  no  fighting. 
All  as  yet  looks  as  prosperous  as  could  be  expected  (you 
know  however  that  I  do  not  expect  much  and  am  therefore  not 
so  likely  to  be  dissappointed).  I  hope  you  get  along  in  quiet  and 
peace  with  Jonas.  The  idea  that  this  may  not  be  the  case  oc- 
casions me  some  uneasiness.  I  can  not  say  how  soon  you  may 
expect  to  see  me  but  of  this  be  certain,  that  there  is  little  or  no  dang- 
er here  except  of  not  living  quite  so  well  as  I  could  at  home.  I 
hope  you  will  do  all  that  you  can  to  make  my  wife  comfortable 
and  happy  and  yourselves  the  same.  I  have  many  letters  to 
write  and  not  much  time  at  present  but  shall  write  you  by  the  re- 
turn vessell. 

Love   to   all.     W^ith   many   wishes  for  3'our   health   and    hap- 
piness 

I  am  yr  affectionate  Son     Nathl  J  Wyeth. 

CCXIV. 

Hams  Fork  of  the  Colorado  of  the  West     June  21st     1S34 

Dear  Wife  1  have  but  little  to  say  to  you 
in  a  letter,  but  much  buisness  with  you,  if  I  were  at  home.  I 
got  here  safe  and  well,  but  whether  I  shall  do  well  is  yet  uncer- 
tain but  I  will  tr>'.  Miltons  leg  got  so  bad  that  he  did  not  come 
with  me.  Mr.  Nuttall  is  well  and  is  cursing  the  tittle  tattle  of 
Cambridge  in  high  style.     It  would   do   you   good   to   look  into 


^^6 


CORRKSPOXnRNCR: 


[^9^ 


our  Iv  (t  just  now  and  see  how  fat  I  am.     Be  of  good   cheer   and 
make  yourself  as  happy  as  you  can  until  I  come   or  send 

Give  ny  respects  to  your  mother  and  Aunt  Rebecca  and  love  to 
Caroline    Baptiste  send[s]  compliments. 

yr  arte.  Husband     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 

CCXV. 

Hams  Fork  of  the  Colorado  of  the  West    June  21st     1834 

Mr  Jas  Brown 

My  old  friend  I  cannot  write  at  length  but  there  is 
a  feeling  when  I  write  to  you  that  I  feel  to  no  one  else.  In  long 
array  comes  up  the  wits  and  wine  the  social  converse  and  the 
sunny  side  hills  of  old  times.  Are  they  gone  forever?  Yes  from 
me,  but  as  the  hearts  of  kings  tremble  at  the  name  of  Napoleon, 
so  mine  vibrates  to  the  recollections  of  old  joys.  I  am  not  now 
able  at  once  to  heave  care  "over  side"  and  the  Bon[n]y  Boat  the 
Jovial  cr-^v.'.  Chaplain  and  all  would  now  be  inr^ufficient  to  fill  the 
void.  I  believe  that  times  of  Careless  Joy  have  gone  bj'  for  me, 
and  s])eed  to  them.  And  now  we  look  forward  to  those  quiet 
times  v\hen  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling  and  the  weary  are 
at  rest.  Are  the  heavens  Black  or  is  the  gloom  in  my  vision? 
The  latter  must  be  true  for  still  youth  and  I[n]trepidity  look  upon 
as  fresh  a  world  as  ever  and  will  not  believe  "hie  Transit  Gloria 
mundi  to  be  true."  If  you  think  me  Blue  remember  that  I  am 
hard  to  convince  and  all  are  unwilling  to  believe  themselves 
astray. 

In  regard  to  my  affairs  manage  them  as  well  as  you  can.  My 
scituation  is  not  such  as  to  justify  your  incurring  any  risque  on 
my  account.  I  would  like  to  keep  the  Colledge  lott  if  possible 
because  I  think  that  let  affairs  turn  as  they  may  I  will  be  able  to 
come  home  and  in  a  little  time  clear  myself  of  any  incumbrance. 

I  hope  your  buisness  is  prosperous  and  not  s  >  i.mrdensome  as 
to  destroy  comfort.  Mine  here  .sliil  looks  squally  but  obstinacy 
and  hope  guide  the  way. 

Be  so  good  as  to  give  my  respects  to  all  friends  and  especially 
to  your  good  wife  and  love  to  little  ones. 

And  believe  me  as  of  old  vour  affectionate  friend 

N.  J.  Wyeth 

CCXVI. 

Haras  Fork  of  the  Colorado  of  the  West     June  21st     1834 

Col.  K.  W.  Metcalf 

Dear  Sir  As  I  promised,  I  write  to  say  that 
in  gallant  stile,  I  bore  your  acceptable  present  of  a  cap  over  the 
Rocky  Mountains  and  in  perfect  saf[e]ty  arr[ilved  a[s]  far  as  this 

on  our  long  route  Latt.  41  deg.  45  min.  I^ong 

Perhaps  you  may  think  it  strange  that  I  write  when  I  have  so 
little  to  say  I  do  so  to  induce  a  correspondence   with  one  who   is 


'94] 


WYETH'S  ORROON  RXPRDITIONvS. 


137 


well  able  to  inform  me  of  the  state  of  affairs  at  home  and  who 
perhaps  will  be  willing  to  take  the  trouble  to  inform  me  We 
have  in  this  country  little  to  interest  the  mind  when  once  the 
novelty  of  white  Bears  Buffaloes  and  Indians  is  worn  off  which  is 
now  prett>  well  the  case  with  me.  Mr.  Nuttall  is  with  me  and 
well  and  has  mide  an  immense  collection  of  new  plants  pre- 
served also  there  is  a  Mr.  Townsend  who  has  found  a  goo^  ~ 
o!"  new  birds  and  preserved   them.     I   shall   establish 

Lewis  River  which  will  be  about  150  miles  west  of  thi^  

purpose  of  trade  and  then  go  to  the  mouth  of  Columbia  River 
the  further  prosecution  of  it. 

Should  you  consent  to  correspond  you  can  leave  your  letters  at 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  Central  Wharf.     In  the  meantime 
cept  for  yourself  and  family  my  best  wishes 

Respectfully  yr  obt  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 


ac- 


CCXVII. 


June  2 1  St     1834 


Hams  Fork  of  the  Colorado  of  tht  West 

Bro  Charles, 

All  well,  but  I  am  afraid  not  doing  as  well  as  might 
be  expected  but  will  do  all  I  can  "and  then  trust  to  providence." 
My  affairs  are  at  the  present  in  too  unsettled  a  state  to  express 
any  opinion  of  the  event.  I  shall  write  you  again  by  the  vessell. 
In  the  mean  time  I  am  going  about  150  miles  west  of  this 
to  build  a  Fort  and  that  done  shall  proceed  to  the  Columbia  to 
build  another  there  for  fishing  and  then  the  Deil  knows  where 
after  Beaver. 

Give  my  love  to  your  wife  and  believe  me  that  old  kindness  is 
not  diminished  on  the  contrary  I  look  back  to  the  fondness  that 
has  so  long  sweetened  our  intercourse  as  the  Brightest  spot  on 
raemorys  green  and  the  brighter  for  the  darkness  and  desolation 
which  encompasses  me. 

yr.  afte  Brother     Nathl.  J.  W^-etli 
CCXVIII. 

Haras  Fork  of  the  Colorado  of  the  West     June  2rst     1834 

Bro.  Leonard 

I  do  not  know  what  mood  to  write  you  in.  Is  money 
scarce?  If  I  knew  so  I  would  indite  you  the  Blackest  kind  of  a 
letter  and  dip  my  pen  in  gall  and  wormwood  and  indulge  my 
own  fancy  while  tallying  with  yours. 

Affairs  in  this  region  are  going  bad  Murder  is  rife  and  dis- 
trust among  themselves  makes  the  whites  an  easy  prey  to  Indians. 
There  has  been  little  Beaver  caught  and  of  that  little  I  get  less 
than  I  ought.  As  yet  there  is  no  positive  indication  of  the  event 
of  this  buisness.  I  shall  do  all  I  can  and  if  those  at  home  do  not 
get  discouraged  it  will  yet  Uirn    out    well  but  of  this  I  am  afraid. 


i.^s 


CORRESPONDENCK: 


[195 


if.f 


I  leave  this  about  the  ist  July  and  then  go  west  about  a  hun- 
dred and  fifty  miles  W.  on  the  Lewis  River  to  make  a  fort  for 
trade  thence  to  the  Columbia  to  build  another  then  out  trapping 
and  trading  with  a  party.  I  shall  write  you  by  the  vessell  and 
hope  to  have  good  news  to  send  but  if  not  shall  say  nothing. 
Here  are  plenty  of  Buifaloe  and  other  good  things  to  eat  and  so 
far  no  Indians  to  trouble  us,  but  continual  watching  is  tiresome 
and  at  last  men  get  willing  to  lay  down  and  take  their  chance.  I 
hope  your  difficulties  have  ceased  and  with  less  damage  to  your 
aifairs  than  you  apprehended  still  I  think  let  what  will  come  you 
will  fare  as  well  as  the  best  and  come  out  bright  at  last. 

Give  my  respects  to  Mess..  Osgoods  and  their  families  and  my 
regular  built[but?]  hearty  good  will  to  you[r]  lady  and  little  ones, 
and  believe  me 

yr.  afte.  Brother     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 
CCXIX. 

Hams  Fork  of  the  Colorado  of  the  West    June  30th     1834 
Mess.  Von  Phull  &  McGill 

Gent.  I  herewith  enclose  a  draft,  Fitz- 
patric  Sublette  &  Bridger  on  Sublette  &  Campbell  $1002.81 
twelve  mos.  from  date  dated  July  ist  1834  also  one  same  parties 
4  months  $864. 1 2  same  date.  These  drafts  or  the  proceeds  of 
them  you  will  please  collect  or  hold  subject  to  the  directions  of 
Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams  of  Boston. 

I  take  this  opportunity  to  say  that  my  journey  so  far  has  been 
prosperous  and  pleasant  and  attended  [with]  no  accident  and  to 
express  to  you  my  sincere  wishes  for  your  health  and  prosperitv. 

I  am  yr.  obt.  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth. 

CCVX. 

Hams  Fork  of  the  Colorado  of  the  West     July  ist     1834 

Latt.  41  deg.  45  min.  Long.  112  deg.  34  min. 
Mess  Tucker  &  Williams 

Gent.  1  arrived  here  on  the  17th  inst.  and  Wni 
Sublette  arrived  two  days  before  me.  This  he  was  enabled  to  do 
by  leaving  one  half  of  his  goods  and  horses  on  the  route,  which  of 
course  I  could  not  do.  On  arrival  the  Rocky  Mountain  Fur  Co. 
refused  to  receive  the  goods  alledging  that  they  were  unable  to 
continue  buisness  longer,and  that  they  had  dis[s]olved,but  offered 
to  pay  the  advances  made  to  M.  G.  Sublette  and  the  Forfeit. 
These  terms  I  have  beefi  obliged  to  accept  altho  they  would  not 
even  pay  the  interest  on  cash  advances  for  there  is  no  Law  here.  I 
have  also  sold  a  few  goods  at  low  prices.  The  proceeds  of  the 
Forfeit  &c  and  Sales  after  deducting  a  small  amt.  for  payment  of 
wages  of  men  who  have  gone  home,  from  this  place,  I  have  for- 
warded to  Mess.  Von  Phull  &  McCiill  of  Saint  Lonis  subject  to 
your  order,  in  one  draft  Four  months  from  date  July  ist  1834  for 


196] 


WYRTH'vS    ORKOON     KXPKDITION'vS. 


>39 


$864.12^  and  for  $1002.81  same  date  12  months  bo  n  by  Fitz- 
patric  Sublette  &  Bridger,  accepted  by  Sublette  &  Campbell  of 
St  Louis. 

In  addition  to  not  fullfilling  their  agreement  with  me  everj^  ex- 
ertion is  made  to  debauch  my  men  in  which  they  have  had  some 
success,  but  I  have  hired  enough  of  theirs  to  make  up, and  do  not 
fear  /ailing  short  of  troops.  These  circumstances  induce  me  to 
quit  their  neighborhood  as   soon    as    possible. 

I  shall  proceed  about  150  miles  west  of  this  and  establish  a  fort  in 
order  to  make  sale  of  the  goods  which  remain  on  my  hands,  I  have 
sent  out  messengers  to  the  Pawnacks,  Shoshonees,  Snakes,  Nez 
Perces  and  Flatheads  to  make  robes  and  come  and  trade  them  at 
this  Post.  I  am  under  the  impression  that  these  Indians  will 
make  a  good  quantity  of  Robes  whenever  they  find  they  can  sell 
them  and  I  believe  the  Transportation  will  not  be  too  expensive 
for  the  value  of  the  article  beside  which  I  have  no  doubt  that  toler- 
able good  returns  of  Beaver  may  be  made  at  this  post.  I  propose  to 
establish  it  on  a  river  called  Portneuf  on    Snake  or  Lewis  River. 

I  feel  much  disappointed  that  the  contract  was  not  complied 
with.  Had  M.  G.  vSublette  been  able  to  come  I  think  it  would 
have  been.  I  much  fear  that  the  gentlemen  at  home  will  get  dis- 
couraged if  no  returns  are  made  the  first  3'ear.  I  shall  do  the 
best  I  can  but  cannot  now  promise  anything  immediate.  If  I  find 
on  arrival  at  the  mouth  of  the  River  that  Lambert  has  not  done 
much  I  shall  think  myself  justified  in  detaining  him  another  year. 

I  have  drawn  no  drafts  from  these  mountahis. 

Bonneville  &  Co.  I  have  not  seen,  but  he  is  not  far  from  me  on 
my  proposed  route.  I  fear  that  he  has  done  nothing  of  conse- 
quence. I  shall  endeavour  to  take  home  his  Beaver  what  there  is  of 
it  if  I  can  get  an  adequate  price.     I  think  his  concern  is  finished. 

I  should  forward  you  an  Invoice  of  goods  on  hand  and  a  memor- 
andum of  trans;  ions  here  but  have  not  time  without  delaying 
my  march.  Capi.  Thing  altho  a  first  rate  man  is  even  a  wor.se 
scribe  than  myself  and  it  is  all  we  can  do  to  make  the  proper 
charges  and  to  look  after  our  men  and  Horses  and  having  to  lose 
some  time  in  making  a  fort,  time  is  the  more  precious.  I  think 
that  I  will  be  with  the  vessell  about  the  loth  Sept.  next  and  af- 
ter arranging  at  the  Post  on  the  Columbia  shall  try  my  fortune  at 
a  winter  Hunt  for  Beaver. 

I  have  now  with  me  126  horses  and  mules  in  good  order  and 
41  persons  all  told  that  are  in  the  employ,  and  ^;r.i  hire  as  many 
more  as  I  want.  The  amount  due  for  wages  is  trifling.  Almost 
all  the  men  take  up  as  fast  as  they  earn,  and  would  faster  if  I 
would  let  them,  in  goods  at  about  500  per  ct.  on  the  original  cost. 
Our  expenses  after  this  year  will  be  very  small,  and  I  have 
strong  hopes  as  ever  of  success  notwithstanding  appearances  so 
lar. 

I  am  yrs       Xath.  J.   Wyeth 


J40 


CORRRSPOXnRNCR: 
CCXXI. 


[197 


Hams  Fork     July  ist     1834 
Mr.  G.  Sublette 

Dear  Sir  I  arrived  at  [the]  Rendesvous  at  the  mouth 
of  [the]  Sandy  on  the  17th  June.  Fitzpatric  refused  to  receive  the 
goods  he  paid  however,  the  forfieit  and  the  cash  advance  I  made 
to  you  this  however  is  no  satisfaction  to  me.  I  do  not  accuse  you 
or  him  of  any  intention  of  injuring  me  in  this  manner  when  you 
made  the  contract  but  I  think  he  has  been  bribed  to  sacrifice  my 
interests  by  better  offers  from  your  brother.  Now  Milton,  buisness 
is  closed  between  us,  but  you  will  find  that  you  have  only  bound 
yourself  over  to  receive  your  supplies  at  such  price  as  may  be  in- 
flicted and  that  all  that  you  will  ever  make  in  the  country  will  go 
to  pay  for  your  goods,  you  will  be  kept  as  5'ou  have  been  a  mere 
slave  to  catch  Beaver  for  others. 

I  sincerly  wish  you  well  and  believe  had  you  been  here  these 
things  would  not  have  been  done.  I  hope  that  your  leg  is  better 
and  that  you  will  yet  be  able  to  go  whole  footed  in   all   respects. 

I  am  Yr  Obt.  Servt.      N.  J.  Wyeth. 

CCXXI  I. 

Hams  Fork  of  the  Colorado  of  the  West    July  2d     1834 

Mess  Von  Phull  &  McGill 

Gent.  I  enclose  three  small  drafts  drawn  by 
me  on  Fitzpatric  &  Co  whole  amt,  $98.25,  which  please  collect 
and  hold  to  the  order  of  Mess. Tucker  &  Williams  and  oblige 

Your  obt  Servt     N.  J.  Wyeth. 
CCXXdi. 

Bear  River     July  5th     1834 
Fr[i]end  Ermatinger 

Your  esteemed  fav.  of  [the]  1 2th  ulto.  reached 
me  by  the  politeness  of  Mr.  Newell  on  Hams  fork  of  Green  River. 
Mr.  N.  also  informed  me  of  the  particulars  of  the  battle  with  the 
Blkfeet.  It  must  have  been  a  capital  mixture  of  Wine  and  Gui'- 
powder.  I  am  happy  to  hear  that  you  had  some  success  last  year 
b\it  am  afraid  that  you  will  do  but  little  this  season. 

I  am  quite  happy  to  hear  that  the  Doctor  remains  at  Vancouver. 
I  shall  soon  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  him.  I  suppose  that  Mckay 
has  "thought  of  it"  by  this  time  and  perhaps  felt  of  it  too,  and 
you  too  seem  to  have  done  more  than  thought  of  it. 

The  latter  part  of  your  letter  I  shall  answer  wlien  I  see  you, 
which  will  be,  I  think  in  the  course  of  the  year. 

I  am  now  on  my  way  to  meet  a  vessell  that  I  sent  from  Boston 
to  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia  and  hope  to  he  there  bv  the  ist 
Sept. 


198] 


WYRTH'vS  OREGON  RXPRDITIONS. 


141 


You  have  also  enclosed  a  letter  for  Mr.  Payette  whose  son  is 
now  with  me. 

I  oame  up  with  goods  and  about  50  men  130  horses.  The  goods 
I  will  have  to  leave  for  sale  somewhere  her[e]abouts  with  part  of  the 
men.  I  have  got  no  Beaver  and  have  sold  but  little  and  that  for 
Drafts  which  I  hope  are  good 

I  have  again  to  repeat  to  you  the  advice  which 
I  before  gave  you  not  to  come  with  a  small  party  to 
the  Am.  Rendesvous.  There  are  here  a  great  collection  of 
Scoundrels. 

I  have  a  great  desire  to  see  you  and  repay  you  in 
part  for  all  the  kindness  which  I  received  from  you  last  year. 
Please  give  my  respects  to  Mr.  Horon  and  all  my  accquaintances 
that  you  may  happen  to  see  and  believe  me 

yrobt  Servt  and  Fr[i]end     Nath.  J.  Wyeth 

CCXXIV. 

Bear  River    July  5th     1834 
Mr  Francis  Payette 

Dear  Sir     I  received  your  esteemed  fav.  of  1 4th 
May   from   Fort  Nez  Perces. 

Your  son  is  now  with  me  and  will  go  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Columbia  to  arrive  there  about  the  ist 
Sept.  He  has  learned  to  speak  English  to  read  write  and  cypher 
tolerably  well.  He  learns  fast  considering  how  broken  his  time 
has  been.  We  teach  him  a  little  on  the  route  but  cannot  do  as 
much  as  I  could  wish.  He  is  an  active  lad  and  appears  content- 
ed. I  should  be  pleased  to  hear  from  you  at  all  times  and  espe- 
cially good  news.  Letters  addressed  to  the  care  of  the  Doctor  at 
\'ancouver  would  reach  me. 

I  am  yr  obt  Servt.     X  J  Wyeth 

ccxxv. 

Sept  I  St     1834  (at  Grand  Ronde) 
Capt.  Bonneville 

Dear  Sir  Yours  of  this  morning  I  have,  and  in 
answer  can  only  say  that  I  shall  send  a  clerk  and  an  outfit  of 
goods  up  to  the  Fort  as  soon  as  I  get  down,  and  shall  come  ra^^- 
self  with  it  as  far  as  where  you  now  are,  and  probably  be  there  in 
about  7  weeks  from  this  time.  I  will  enlarge  the  outfit  a  little  so 
as  to  meet  this  trade,  and  will  trade  with  them  personally  at 
your  present  camp,  if  they  will  be  there,  or  I  will  send  a  clerk 
to  them  at  any  place  they  shall  designate,  provided  they  do  so 
before  my  passing  the  Grande  Ronde.  The  time  and  place  must 
be  designated  in  time  in  order  that  I  may  give  the  proper  direc- 
tions  to   the   clerk. 

I  shall  bring  up  goods  so  that  in  case  you  should  alter  your  mind 
as  to  purchasing    you  could  still  get  a  supply.     But  if  I  could  see 


142 


CORRESPONDENCE: 


[199 


you  personally  at  the   Grande   Ronde  when   I   return  it  is  likely 
that  we  might  make  a  joint  buisness  of  it. 

It  is  very  like  that  I  may  detain  the  Brig  until  next  summer, 
in  which  case  I  would  like  to  freight  home  your  furs,  which  I  will 
do  at  37^  per  lb.  Insurance  included  and  receive  them  at  the 


Grand  Ronde. 


[No  signature.] 
CCXXVI. 


[No  address  given.]     Sept  ist     1834 
Capt  Bonneville 

Dear  Sir  I  got  your  note  of  to  day  late  this  even- 
ing, and  am  obliged  to  you  for  the  trouble  you  have  taken.  I  will 
meet  the  Nez  Perces  at  the  A-show-to  River  within  8  weeks,  I 
Hope  to  meet  yot  before  this,  and  would  be  pleased  to  make  a 
joint  affair  of  it  much  better  than  to  proceed  alone. 

Your  Beaver  traded  from  the  Skiuses  [Cayuses]  is  so  much 
seized  from  the  common  enemy  in  trade,  so  far  so  good. 

Respectfully  yrs.    Nathl,  J.  Wyeth 

CCXXVII. 

Copy  of  letters  of  introduction  addressed  to  Leond  Jarvis  Esq.  J. 
Wyeth,  L.  I.  Wyeth  Chas.  W^xth  and  James  Brown  in  fav.  of 
Capt  W.  Stewart. 

Oct  6th  1834  Columbia  River. 
Permit  me  to  introduce  to  your  acquaintance  Capt  William 
Stewart  an  English  gentleman  who  has  been  traveling  in  the 
Rocky  Mountains  during  the  last  year.  From  his  intimate  ac- 
quaintance with  the  affairs  of  the  Mountains  he  will  be  able  to 
satisfy  such  enquiries  as  you  may  wish  to  make  respecting  those 
regions.  Any  attention  that  you  can  shew  him  will  much  oblige 
me. 

&  &c     N.  J.  W. 

CCXXVIII. 

Columbia  River    Oct  6th     1834 
Capt  William  Stewart 

Dear  Sir  Enclosed  you  have  a  few  letters  ad- 
dressed to  some  of  my  fronds.  They  will  be  happy  to  see  you  and 
to  hear  from  me  and  if  convienient  you  will  oblige  me  by  de- 
livering them.  Also  enclosed  you  have  your  account  which  you 
can  pay  to  Mess.  Tucker  &  Williams,  or  to  either  of  the  gentle- 
men to  whom  the  letters  are  addressed  and  request  them  to  do  it. 

I  am  yr.  obt.  Servt.     N.  J.  W. 

CCXXIX. 

Columbia  River     Oct,  6th    1834  (40  miles  above  the  mouth.) 

Frederic  Tudor  Esq.     (Boston.) 

Dear  Sir    Since  mine  of  20th  June  last  I  have  built 


WYETH'S    ORKOON     EXPRDITIONS. 


143 


a  Fort  on  Lewis  River  and  raised  the  Am.  Flag  in  a  new  region 
amid  the  din  of  powder  and  the  effects  of  alcohol  common  on  such 
occasions.  I  assure  you  the  Fort  looks  quite  as  warlike 
as  a  pile  of  of  ice  but  not  quite  so  proffitable.  After  accomplish- 
in^^is  I  made  for  this  place  and  met  the  vessell  on  the  nth 
?ept.  she  having  then  just  arrived  after  a  disasterous  passage  of  8 
months  caused  by  being  struck  by  lightening  oif  Valparaiso.  Con- 
sequently I  am  obliged  to  delay  the  vessell  until  another  year 
which  will  delay  for  that  period  at  least  any  decision  as  to  the 
duration  of  this  buisness,  it  looks  black  enough  at  the  present 
time  to  induce  an  opinion  that  it  must  terminate  soon  one  way  or 
the  other. 
I  find  by  some  English  publications  that  you[rJ  ice  adventure  to 
East  Indies  attracts  much  attention.  vShould  this  branch  of  your 
buisness  appear  to  be  of  value  would  it  not  be  possible  to  raise 
up  some  trade  from  this  coast  to  enable  you  to  send  vessells  from 
this  to  Calcut[t]a.  I  think  the  ice  might  be  obta[i]ned  a  little  north 
of  this,  I  can  not  think  if  any  cargo  that  could  be  brought  here 
from  the  East  Indies. 

I  am  anxious  to  hear  how  the  speculation  ended  and  if  you 
find  sufficient  encouragement  to  continue  it,  also  how  your 
ordinary  ice  buisness  has  succeeded  the  last  j'ear  and  what  has 
been  the  result  of  your  coffee  affair.  Permit  me  to  ask  the  favour 
of  a  letter  from  you  by  the  first  opportunity. 

I  am  now  buisy  in  making  an  establishment  on  the  Multnomah 
about  50  miles  from  its  mouth  and  one  on  the  Columbia  at  this 
place.  This  winter  I  go  up  Lewis  River  to  make  one  more  Fort 
on  its  waters  and  one  on  the  south  side  of  the  Great  Salt  Lake. 
In  the  Spring  I  shall  return  and  ascertain  if  I  can  put  up  a  cargo 
of  Salmon. 

With  wishes  for  all  manner  of  prosperity  for  you, 

I  am  yr.  obt.  vServt.     N.  J.  W. 


ccxxx. 


Oct  6th      1834 


Columbia  River 
Jas.  W.   Fenno  ECsq.  (Boston) 

Dear  Sir  Since  mine  of  20th 
June  I  have  built  the  Fort  that  I  then  mentioned  on  Lewis  River, 
Long  112  deg.  31,  min.  W.  Latt  43  deg.  14  min.  N.  I  ar- 
rived on  the  Colum'jia  and  met  my  vessell  on  the  nth  Sept.  she 
having  been  struck  by  lightening  on  the  passage  out  and  detained 
in  consequence  to  repair  at  Valparaiso.  She  entirely  missed  the 
salmon  season  and  I  am  obliged  to  detain  her  to  another  year. 

I  still  think  of  the  old  buisness  and  hope  if  this  fails  to  find  an 
opening  left  to  resume  it.  When  I  shall  be  at  home  iz  uncertain. 
This  buisness  looks  very  bad  at  this  time.  We  have  failed  in 
ever}'  thing  for  the  first  year.  I  shall  do  all  I  can  one  5'ear 
more,  which  will  I  think  shew  whether  anything   is   to    be   done 


i,. ,; 


144 


CORRKSPONDRNCE: 


[901 


here  or  not,  and  I  will  not  be  long  in  closing  the  concern    when  I 
find  that  there  is  nothing  to  be  made. 

You  will  be  careful  not  to   make   any  disclosures  as  it  regards 
the  prospects  of  our  buisness  here  which  might  be  injurious. 
I  am  anxious  to  hear  from  you  and  obtain  information  of  how  the 
agitated  question  now  stands.    In  the  mean  time  believe  me  your 
obt  Servt  N.  J.  W. 

CCXVXI. 

Columbia  River     Oct  6th     1834 
Friend  Brown 

My  last  was  from  Hams  Fork  of  the  Colorado  of  the 
West  since  which  time  I  have  been  building  a  F'ort  on  the  Snake 
or  Lewis  Fork  of  the  Columbia  which  I  named  Fort  Hall  which 
took  me  until  the  6th  August  on  which  day  the  Am.  Standard 
was  raised  in  regions  remote  from  its  usual  habitation  and  amid 
the  noise  of  revelry  and  gun  powder  it  floated  in  the  gaze  of  the 
astonished  Savages.  After  accomplishing  this  I  proceeded  to  the 
mouth  of  the  Columbia  where  on  the  nth  ulto.  I  met  our  ship. 
She  had  on  her  way  out  been  struck  by  lightening  which  occa- 
sioned a  detention  of  three  months  by  which  our  season  for  fish- 
ing was  entirely  lost.  I  shall  detain  her  until  another  year  and  if 
she  is  then  not  able  to  bring  home  good  returns  I  shall  close  this 
concern  as  soon  as  possible  and  return  home  with  a  flea  in  my  ear. 

My  route  from  this  to  the  Salmon  season  ofnext  year  will  be  from 
this  place  to  Fort  Hall  Latt.  43  deg.  14  min.  N.  Long  113  deg  30 
min.  \V.  thence  to  the  Great  Salt  Lake  where  I  propose  to 
build  another  Fort  and  thence  back  to  this  place  to  be  here  by  the 
15  May  next  to  be  ready  for  the  Salmon. 

I  am  extremly  buisy  and  can  not  say  much  but  wish  you  and 
5'our  family  all  the  good  wishes  you  can  imagine 

Yr  fr[ilend  and  vServt      X.  J.  W. 
CCXXXII. 

Columbia  River     Oct  5th     1834 
Dear  Wife 

I  am  here  but  have  had  no  good  luck.  The  vessell 
was  struck  by  lightening  on  her  way  out  and  detained  so  long  that 
the  salmon  season  was  past.  She  will  therefore  have  to  remain  here 
luitil  another  year.  In  the  mean  time  I  shall  cruise  about  the 
countrj'  and  see  what  I  can  find. 

I  have  built  a  Fort  on  Snake  river  near  the  middle  of  the  Con- 
tinent, one  here,  and  made  a  farm  on  the  Multnomah.  If  by 
another  year  I  find  that  the  buisness  is  to  be  successfuU  I  shall 
send  home  for  5'ou,  if  not  I  will  come  home  myself. 

I  hope  you  makCe]  your  self  comfortable  and  happy.  It  is  the 
only  good  polic}^  to  enjoy  ourselves  while  we  can 

Yr  afte.  Husband     N.  J.  W. 


'..  i 


3oa] 


WVKTH'S  ORRC.ON  HXPRDITIOXS. 

ccxxxiir. 


145 


[No  address  or  date! 
Jacob  Wyeth  Ksq. 

I  am  here  buisy  as  can  be  fitting  out  parties  making 
farms,  Forts,  and  preparing  for  next  years  fishing.  The 
vessell  met  with  an  accident  which  detained  her  so  long  on  her 
passage  that  this  years  salmon  fishing  entirely  failed.  I  shall  try 
it  one  year  more  and  if  then  there  is  no  better  success  to  be  had 
I  shall  quit  it  and  come  home  and  attend  to  whatever  buisness  I 
can  find  wher[e]by  to  make  a  living. 

I  hope  that  no  further  difficulty  with  our  tenant  has  disturbed 
your  comfort  and  that  all  Lhings  about  the  place  go  on  well. 
From  what  I  heard  when  I  was  at  St.  Louis  Jacob  must  be  mar- 
ried by  this  time  and  if  so  I  suppose  you  have  heard  of  it.  From 
the  representation  of  very  respectable  people  from  Gelena  he  is 
quite  a  reformed  man  diligent  and  successful  in  his  profession 
and  respected  by  those  who  know  him.  The  lady  to  vhom  he 
was  about  to  be  tied  is  ^aid  to  be  of  the  first  respectability  and 
every  way  worthy.  I  have  no  doubt  that  she  will  exercise  a 
very  salutary  influence  over  him. 

I  can  not  say  when  you  may  expect  to  see  me  but  in  the  mean- 
time I  am  well  here  and  with  a  little  more  success  could  be 
very  happy. 

I  am  yr  afte  Son     X.  J.  \V. 


CCXXXIV. 


i«34 


Columbia  River     Oct  6th 
Brother  Leonard 

I  have  no  good  news  to  impart.  The  vessell  mis- 
carried owing  to  having  been  struck  by  lightening  on  her  wav 
out  so  that  our  fishing  is  defer[r]ed  to  another  year.  After  so  long 
an  abstinence  I  feel  hungry  for  a  little  success.  I  have  built  a  Fort 
as  I  mentioned  in  my  last  on  Snake  or  Lewis  River  in  Latt  43 
deg.  14  min  N.  Long  113  deg.  30  min.  W.  and  raised  the  Am\ 
Standard  in  a  new  region  amid  the  noise  of  guns  and  the  Sound 
of  revelry.  I  met  the  vessell  to  a  day,  and  two  months  after  both 
expected  to  arrive  here.  I  have  commenced  a  fine  farm  on  the 
Multnomah.  Were  all  I  wish  to  see,  and  they  are  not  many,  here 
I  think  I  should  never  wish  to  return.  I  journev  this  winter  into 
the  interior  to  the  vicinity  of  the  Great  Salt  Lake  and  shall  prob- 
ably make  2  more  Forts,  and  return  hither  about  the  15th  May 
next  to  see  what  can  be  made  of  the  Salmon  fish[e]rys.  If  at  the 
close  of  next  year  our  prospects  are  not  brighter  3-ou  may  expect 
to  see  me  back  again,  following  with  fresh  spirits  some  new  or  old 
plans  of  profit  or  improvement. 

I  only  write  to  you  to  evince   that   ray  mind  still  looks  back  to 
the  good  and  worthy  that  it  has  left  behind,  that  it  compares  the 


146 


COR  R  HvSPOX  DKNCK: 


[if,^ 


Hideous  squaw  with  polished  white  woman  the  faithless  savapfo 
with  the  upright  and  buisy  white  man,  atid  sees  the  difference. 
Give  my  respects  to  the  Mess.  Osgoods  and  their  family  and  my 
love  to  your  wife  and  children  and  let  them  hear  the  name  of  their 
uncle  if  they  do  not  see  him. 

Vr.  afte  Hro.     X.  J.   W. 

ccxxxv. 

Columbia  River     Oct.  6th     1834 
Bro.  Charles 

Since  ray  last  of  June  2Tst  1834  I  have  made  the  establishment 
then  spoken  of  on  Snak[e]  River  in  Latt.  43  deg.  14  min.  Nl^ong 
113  deg.  30  uiin.  West  and  raised  the  .Stars  and  Stripes  amid  ex- 
plosions of  gun  powder  and  whiskey  according  to  custom,  and 
tliLV  now  .wave  to  the  wind  in  the  naked  wastes  of  central 
America  a  wonderment  to  the  simple  savage  who  can  not  con- 
ceive the  meaning  of  so  much  disturbance.  I  have  now  made  a 
farm  on  the  Multnomah  on  a  prairie  of  about  15  miles  long  border- 
ing on  the  river  which  is  nearly  as  large  as  the  Ohio  surrounded  by 
beautiful  and  well  assorted  raber  and  watered  by  a  good  mill 
stream.  The  soil  is '.eautilul.  If  some  of  the  things  on  which 
the  minds  ej'ecastr.  a  "longing  Hugering"  look  where  [were]  here  I 
might  be  content  to  rest  from  my  labors  and  lay  my  bones  in  this 
remote  wild. 

I  leave  here  in  a  few  days  on  a  voyage  to  the  interior  and  shall 
establish  two  more  Forts  otic  of  which  will  be  near  the  Great  Salt 
Lake  if  I  can  find  any  tribe  of  Indians  who  can  give  trade 
enough  to  support  it. 

You  must  excuse  my  writing  short  letters  I  have  much  to  do 
in  a  short  time  and  some  things  that  can  not  be  ommitted. 
(iive  my  respects  to  Mr.  Norris  and  family,  and  be  assured  of 
my  best  wishes  for  vou  and  yours 

Vr  Afte  Bro.     Xatlil  J  W'yeth 

ccxxxvr. 

ColumlMa  River     Oct.  6th      1834 
Tyeond.  Jarvis  Esq. 

Dear  Uncle  Since  mine  of  June  31st  from 
Hams  fork  I  have  as  I  then  proposed  built  a  P'ort  on  .Snake  or 
Lewis  River  in  Latt  43 deg.  14  min.  N.  and  Long  113  df^^.  30  min. 
W.  which  I  named  Fort  Hall  from  the  oldesi  gentkaian  in  the 
concern.  We  manufactured  a  magnificent  fiag  from  .some  un- 
bleached sheeting  a  little  red  flannel  and  a  few  blue  patches,  sa- 
luted it  with  damaged  powder  and  wet  it  in  vil[l]a[i]nous  alcohol, 
and  after  all  it  makes,  I  do  assure  you,  a  very  respectable  appear- 
ance amid  the  dry  and  desolate  regions  of  central 
America.      Its    Bastions     stand     a      terror     to      the     sculking 


ao4l 


WVI-.TMS     ORKCON     l^Xl'IUJlTIONS. 


'47 


Indian  and  a  l)eacon  of  saf[e]ty  to  the  fugitive  hunter. 
It  i^  inanLnled  l)y  12  men  and  has  constantly  loadc^l]  in  the 
Hast  ions  kxd  guns  and  riries.  These  bastions  command  both  the 
inside  and  the  outside  of  the  Fort.  After  building  this  Fort  I  sent 
messengers  to  the  neighboring  nations  to  induce  them  to  come  to 
it  to  trai  ,  and  am  now  alxjut  starting  with  an  equipnient  of 
goods  lor  the  winter  trade.  After  letiving  these  at  the  Fort  I  shall 
locate  and  build  two  more  one  of  which  will  be  scituuted  near  the 
Great  vSalt  Lake.  1  shall  return  to  this  place  about  the  15th  May 
next  to  see  what  can  be  done  in  the  I'^ishing  bnisuess. 

I  atn  now  about  75  miles  from  the  mouth  of  the  river,  on  the 
South  Side.  We  have  built  a  few  buildings  for  store  houses, 
smiths  and  Cooper  shops,  and  dwellings.  \Ve  are  n''ar  the  mouth 
of  the  Multnomah.  About  40  miles  up  this  river  I  have  )eguu  a 
farm  o  1  ;i  lieautiful  prairie  of  about  15  miles  long  one  end  touching 
the  river  a  good  mill  stream  in  the  center  the  whole  surrounded 
with  good  and  well  assorted  timber,  of  fine  soil  and  mild  >-limate, 
mu( ii  game,  in  fact  all  that  a  man  ought  to  have,  but  still  one  is 
tempted  to  exclaim  "Oh  solitude,  where  are  the  charms  that 
philosophers  have  seen  in  Thy  face?" 

After  building  Fort  Hall  as  befor[eJ  stated  I  pro- 
ceed[ed]  hither  and  on  the  14th  ulto.  met  the  Hrig 
then  just  arrived  and  coming  up  the  river  to 
find  me.  She  was  struck  by  lightening  on  the  way  out  which  oc- 
casioned a  delay  of  about  3  months  in  consequence  of  which 
our  fishing  season  was  entirely  lost.  I  shall  therefore  detain  her 
until  another  season  and  then  try. 

We  suffered  nothing  coming  out  but  lived  s*  metime  very  short 
and  poor  after  leaving  the  Buffaloe  country  but  this  is  what  all 
who  come  this  way  must  expect. 

I  have  given  a  letter  of  introduction  to  Capt.  William  Stewart 
of  the  British  army  to  you.  He  is  a  gentleman  of  high  family 
and  general  attainments  and  having  travelled  i  the  .Mountains 
for  upwards  of  a  year  past,  I  thought  that  you  might  be  pleased 
to  see  him. 

Now  1  desire  that  you  will  give  my  best  compliments  to  my 
aunt  and  assure  her  that  all  the  time  I  have  beei  'ddressing  U13' 
self  to  you  1  have  been  thinking  of  her  and  her  m..uy  kindnesses 
of  old  times,  this  is  not  a  country  in  which  I  forget  the  ladies. 

I  am  yrs.  &c.     N.  J.  W. 


CCXXXVII. 

Copy  of  note  left  for  Mr.  Riclrirdson  at  the  m'>uth  of  a  fork  of 
the  River  Des  Shutes. 

Jany.     7th     1S35 
Mr  Richardson 

Sir      In   ca.se    I    return   to   this   place  before   you 
I  shall  leave  a  note  on  this  pole    with   directions.     I    think    you 

• 

148 


CORRI'SI'ONDKN'CI-;: 


[205 


hnd  not  ill  any  case  better  s».ay  up  this  fork  more  than  three 
weeks,  unless  the  prospect  for  i)eaver  is  ver>'  goo<l.  At  the  time 
you  arrive  here  if  you  find  no  note  from  me,  you  can  either  go  up 
tiie  stream  in  search  of  beaver,  and  remain  until  I  send  the 
horses,  or  send  for  you,  or  return  to  camp  as  you  like.  When 
I  go  down  I  shall  leave  notice  at  the  mouth  of  each  creek  in  order 
that  you  may  know  my  movements,  and  if  you  follow  me  up 
stream  I  wish  you  to  leave  a  notch  cut  in  ray  poles,  one  up  one 
down  in  order  that  I  may  know  if  you  are  above  or  lielow  me. 
Also  at  each  creek  that  you  go  up  leave  a  peeled  pole  and  one 
also  on  vour  return. 

Vrs    NathlJWyeth 

CCXXXVIII. 

Wappatoo  Island     Ap  3d  1835 
Friend  Weld 

I  write,  btit  do  not  know  when  I  will  have  an  op- 
portunity to  send.  I  am  in  the  mood  which  you  know  is  always 
enough  for  me.  If  I  were  at  Cambridge  the  wine  would  suffer 
to  night  and  you  prett}'  well  know  who  would  be  the  compain'. 
I  have  had  a  severe  winter  of  it.  All  my  men  have  l)een  sick  ex- 
cept myself  and  one  man  and  nothing  but  pure  obstinacy  has 
kept  me  from  toeing  hauled  up.  It  may  be  interesting, to  you  to 
know  a  little  of  what  I  am  doing.  In  the  first  place  I  got  here 
somehow  not  worth  relating.  \Vhen  here  found  my  Brig  not  ar- 
[r]ived  but  outside  the  bar.  Went  down  the  river  and  met  her 
coming  up.  This  was  on  the  nth  vSept.  and  entirely  after  salmon 
time.  Her  late  arrival  was  occasioned  bj-  having  been  struck  with 
lightenuigand  being  in  consequence  obliged  toputinto  \'alparais(» 
to  repair.  After  shaking  hands,  set  al>out  arranging  a  party  to 
send  to  a  Fort  which  I  have  built  among  the  Rocky  Mts.  This 
party  consisted  of  Capt.  Thing  13  Sandwich  Islanders  and  S 
whites.  They  proceeded  about  200  miles  up  the  Columbia  in- 
land at  the  same  time  I  took  a  party  of  4  Sandwich  Islanders  and 
16  whiles  and  followed  inland  150  and  got  news  that  Capt 
Things  Islanders  had  all  run  away  from  him.  This  obliged  me 
to  spare  all  my  Islanders,  and  all  but  6  of  my  whites  to  enable 
Capt.  Thing  to  proceed  to  Fort  Hall.  With  the  residue  I  pro- 
ceeded to  look  up  the  deserters.  I  struck  south  thinking  that 
they  might  have  started  for  CaUfornia.  This  was  the  middle  of 
Nov.  During  Dec.  Jany.  and  Feb.  I  got  no  news  from  them. 
About  the  first  of  March  I  heard  that  some  of  them  were  near  the 
Columbia.  On  this  I  changed  my  route  and  struck  that  river 
where  I  learned  from  the  Inds.  that  7  ol  them  had  passed  down 
five  days  Ijefore.  I  followed  and  overtook  them  about  80  miles 
from  the  mouth  of  the  river  7  in  number  and  took  them  to  Fort 
William  our  establishment  on  Wappatoo  Island  about  75  miles 
up  the  Columbia  at  the  mouth   of  the    Multnomah,     Two   were 


9061 


WYKTIIS    ORJUUKN     ICXIMUHTIONS. 


M9 


killed  by  the  Itulians  one  was  drowned  and  one  froze  to  death 
in  the  Mts.  and  two  are  still  unacLc]ounted  for  as  yet.  On  arriving 
here  I  set  alxint  preparing  for  fishing.  Have  commenced  a 
house  IJoat  70  feet  long  for  a  conveyance  abont  to  the  different 
fisherys.  Have  finished  a  canoe  60  feet  long  3  feet  wide  2  y^ 
deep  of  one  tree  which  has  not  a  shake  or  [k]not  in  it,  and  thir, 
after  cutting  off  thirty  feet  of  clear  stuff  from  the  same  tree,  and 
still  this  is  by  no  means  a  large  tree  here.  I  think  I  could  find 
trees  here  free  from  shakes  or  [k]notsthat  would  square  4  feet  one 
hundred  feet  long.  It  is  quite  a  job  to  make  ojie  of  these  canoes'. 
I  have  heard  to  day  that  our  Brig  has  arrived  at  the  mouth  of 
the  river  from  the  vSandwich  Islands  whither  she  went  last 
winter  with  a  cargo  of  Lumber,  and  I  expect  more  buisness  more 
company  and  more  provisions  soon  the  last  not  the  least  desirable 
of  the  three.  This  W'appatoo  Island  which  I  have  selected  for 
our  establishment  is  about  15  miles  long  and  about  average 
of  three  wide.  On  one  side  runs  the  Columbia  on  the  other  the 
Multnomah.  It  consists  of  woodlands  and  praire  and  on  it  there 
is  considerable  deer  and  those  who  could  spare  time  to  hunt 
might  live  well  but  a  mortality  has  carried  off  to  a  man  its  in- 
habitants and  there  is  nothing  to  attest  that  they  ever  existed  ex- 
cept their  decaying  houses,  their  graves  and  their  unburied  bones 
of  which  there  are  heaps.  So  you  see  as  the  righteous  people  of  New 
England  say  providence  has  made  room  for  me  and  without  doing 
them  more  injury  than  I  should  if  I  had  made  room  for  myself 
viz  Killing  them  off.  I  often  think  of  the  old  knot  of  cronies 
about  thetow!!  with  whom  I  used  to  spend  so  much  time  especi- 
al[l]y  of  an  evening.  When  I  sit  down  in  my  lodge  on  the  ground 
and  contrast  th"  past  with  the  present  and  wonder  if  the 
future  will  ^'ve  us  t  inch  difference  and  which  way  the  difference 
will  ^  f     bctif'V  <>'■  .vorse? 

It  hai^  '.  litit'l  uini'ist  continually  from  last  Oct.  to  this  time  but 
stii!  the  e  has  bef."i  no  cold  weather  except  in  the  mountains  at 
gre'  I  r'-evcjiM^ins. 

Isow  i  do  [  >i  \vish  this  letter  published  I  do  hate  every  thing 
in  print. 

I  am  yr  F'riend  and  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

CCXXXIX. 

Fort  William     Sept  6th     1S35 
Frederic  Tudor  Esq. 

Sir  My  last  was  dated  Oct.  6th  1834  from  this  place, 
I  have  not  received  one  letter  from  the  States  sitice  I  left.  A 
package  came  into  the  Indian  country-  for  me  but  fell  into  the 
hands -of  another  Co.  and  was  detained.  Possibly' you  might  have 
writ[t]en  by  that  channel.  This  buisness  has  not  been  successful 
in  any  of  its  branches  therefore  it  will  terminate  soon.  I  shall 
not  order  another   equipment    to   this   country   until  I  see  again 


ISO 


CORR  ESPON  DRXC  K: 


[207 


those  concerned  with  me,  and  if  I  know  the  people  they  will  be 
the  last  to  go  very  far  in  any  buisness  that  commences  unprofit- 
ably.  If  I  meet  with  no  fatal  accident  I  shall  be  in  Boston  b^' 
the  ist  Nov.  1836  and  probably  if  any  opening  opens  adequate  to 
my  wants  I  shall  not  after  leave  it.  I  need  not  disguise  from  you 
that  I  must  have  a  living  somewhere  and  that  there  is  no  kind  of 
buisness  for  which  I  am  in  any  way  competent  except  my  original  vo- 
cation, which  I  so  heartily  det'^st  that  I  will  loose  my  scalp  before 
I  will  reengage  in  it,  and  the  Ice  buisness,  and  that  in  the  latter 
I  have  no  prospect  except  through  yourself.  The  buis'ic-ss  1  am 
in  must  be  closed  not  that  it  might  not  be  made  a  good  r<!ie 
but  because  those  who  are  now  engaged  in  it  are  not  the  men  to 
make  it  so.  The  smallest  loss  makes  them  "fly  the  handle"  and 
such  can  rarely  succeed  in  a  new  buisness.  This  your  own  ex- 
perience will  justify.  Personally  I  have  no  means  to  prosecute 
the  buisness  further  and,  however  mortifying,  must  gi^e  :  ;  up. 
My  intention  is  to  return  and  if  I  can  obtain  any  scituation  tnat  I 
am  not  ashamed  of,  to  remain,  if  not  the  woods  will  alway[s]  sup- 
ply the  wants  of  one  who  is  not  lazy  and  where  pride  is  not  con- 
cerned wants  but  little.  These  things  I  state  in  plain  language 
l)ecause  I  for[e]see  that  v'hen  I  may  arrive  in  Boston  the  case  will 
admit  of  no  delay.  I  have  then  to  make  the  last  election  of  my 
course  for  life  and  whether  such  course  prove  comfortable  to  my- 
self or  not  I  shall  stick  to  it.  I  cannot  hope  after  what  I  have 
done  that  you  should  have  so  much  regard  to  my  wishes  as  to 
alter  any  arrangement  that  you  may  have  made  of  your  buisness 
in  order  to  give  me  a  place  but  I  am  bound  to  avail  myself  of  all 
the  chances  in  m^'  reach  to  live. 

Since  writing  you  last  we  have  lost  by  drowning.  Scalping  &c 
14  person;,  none  by  natural  death  altho  the  country  is  sickly. 
Loss  of  property  from  liostility  of  Indians  has  been   considerable. 

I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  send  you  a  ^  bbl.  of  plain  salt- 
ed salmon  which  I  hope  you  will  find  good.  We  do  not  this  year 
send   home   more   than    half  a   cargo. 

I  am  off  for  the  interior  about  the  first  next 
month.  The  winter  will  not  admit  of  starting 
later.  I  am  therefore  obliged  to  trust  the  putting  up  of  the 
salmon  for  my  friends  at  home  to  Capt.  Lambert.  vShould  there 
be  any  unsuitableness  in  it,  I  ask  you  to  excuse  it  with  the  same 
good  feeling  you  used  to  overlook  more  serious  failings. 

I  am  Your  obt  Servt.     Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

CCXL. 


Fort  William     Sept  6th     1835 
Friend  Brown 

Doubtless  3'ou  have  observed  in  your  quondam  associ- 
ate  some   s/Hii//   imperfections,  and   altho   he   may  now  have  no 


208] 


WYRTH'S  ORK(.;OX  F.XPKDITIONS. 


151 


temptation,  yet  the  grain  may  be  stil[lj  in  hira.  A  quotation  from 
an  author  you  used  sometimes  to  read  will  do  for  his  creed 

"My  son  these  maxims  make  a  rule, 

And  lump  them  ay  the  gether; 

The  rigid  righteous  is  a  fool, 

The  rigid  wise  anither: 

The  cleaticst  corn  that  e'er  was  diglit 

May  hae  some  pyles  o'  Chaff  in; 

vSo  ne'er  a  fellow  creature  s/i\i>/// 

For  random  fits  o'  daffin.["] 
I  am  disappointed  in  not  having  rec[e]ived  a  single  letter  from 
home  since  I  left  the  frontier  settlements,  while  others  have.  I 
know  it  is  not  reasonable  that  those  who  loose  but  one  compan- 
ion should  feel  as  much  as  those  who  loose  all.  A  letter  to  the 
last  is  in  the  shape  of  food  to  the  hungry  r-an.  The  benevo- 
lent bestow  in  proportion  to  the  want,  therefore  3'ou  should  write 
me  two  letters  for  one.  I  am  not  scolding  you  for  your  good  but 
for  my  own.  I  am  in  hopes  to  make  you  write  either  by  force  or 
fraud  but  whether  you  do  so  or  not  I  am  determined  to  continue 
the  correspondence  until  you  acknowledge  me  to  be  as  bad  as  the 
old  man  who  rode  Sind  Bad  the  vSailor  and  perhaps  you  may  get 
rid  of  me  in  the  same  way. 

My  last  was  dated  Oct.  6th  1834  frftra  this  place  since  which 
time  there  has  been  the  Devils  own  work  in  this  Country  14  of  our 
people  drowned  and  killed  and  much  property  lost.  Personally  I 
am  still  happy  go  lucky  with  only  a  broken  toe  and  two  or  three 
upsettings  in  cold  water.  This  you  know  I  am  used  to.  I  ex- 
pect to  come  to  Boston  about  Nov.  ist  1836.  perhaps  to  stop.  We 
this  year  put  up  about  a  half  a  cargo  of  Salmon  >^  bbl.  of  which 
you  will  find  marked  with  your  name  also  one  for  my  Father  one 
for  my  wife  for  Leond  Jarvis  Chas  Wyeth  Leond  1  Wyeth.  N.  J 
Wyeth  and  Frederic  Tudor.  Any  expense  please  charge  to  me. 
Will  you  give  my  sincere  respects  to  your  wife  and  a  kiss  all  the 
little  ones  known  and  unknown  and  believe  me  one  of  those 
whose  friendships  hold  from  youth  to  age  who  has  some  ac- 
quaintances who  are  not  friends  and  some  friends  who  are  not  ac- 
quaintances and  one  who  is  friend  and  acqu  ii'uance,  and  only 
one. 

Vrs  &c    Xuthl.  J.  Wyeth. 
CCXM. 

Columbia  River     vSept  20th     1835 
Leonard  Jarvis  Esq.     (Baltimore  Md.) 

Dear  Uncle  My  last  was  from  this  place  dated 
Oct.  6th  1834.  We  have  had  a  bad  season  for  salmon.  About 
half  of  a  cargo  only  obtained.  The  salmon  part  of  the  buisness 
will  never  do.  I  have  sent  Vi  a  bbl.  to  you  which  you  will  re- 
ceive through  Mr.    Brown.     Capt.    Lambert   attends  to   putting 


152 


CORRKvSPONDKNCK: 


[209 


the  Indians.  Some 
I  leave  this  in  a  few 
I  intend  in  the  spring 


theai  lip,  on  the  voyage,  as  there  is  not  time  for  me  to  do  so  be- 
fore. If  there  should  be  any  thing  wrong  you  will  excuse  it  on 
this  account.  I  am  now  a  little  better  from  a  se\ere  attack  of 
billions  Fever.  I  did  not  expect  to  recover,  and  am  still  a  wreck. 
Our  sick  list  has  been  this  summer  usually  about  one  third  the 
whole  number  and  the  rest  much  frightened.  13  Deaths  have  oc- 
curred l>eside  some  in  the  interior  killed  by 
propervy  has  l^een  lost  also  by  Indians, 
days  for  the  interior  to  winter  at  P'ort  Hall. 

to  return  to  this  place  and  take  up  goods  then  I  shall  turn  my 
face  toward  the  rising  sun,  and  hope  to  have  the  pleasure  of  see- 
ing you  about  the  last  of  Oct.  1836.  I  some  think  of  taking  the 
route  by  Santi  Fee  and  N.  Orleans  but  hostilities  of  the  Indians 
render  it  uii.:2rtaiu  what  route  I  may  ba  obliged  to  take  but 
without  serious  accident  I  shall  not  be  far  from  that  time.  I  am 
surrounded  with  difficulties  beyond  any  former  period  of  my  life 
and  without  the  health  and  spirit  requisite  to  support  them.  In 
this  scituation  you  can  judge  if  memory  brings  to  me  the  warn- 
ings of  those  (wiser  and  older)  who  advised  a  course  which  must 
at  least  have  resulted  in  quietness.  Yes  memory  lends  its  powers 
for  torment.  A  few  days  ago  she  told  me  a  tale  which  carried  me 
back  to  early  life,  led  me  through  the  varying  shades  of  days  and 
years  while  at  ever>'  step  the  tale  grew  darker  and  at  last  delivered 
me  to  [the]  horrors  of  the  present  time.  What  at  that  moment 
they  were  you  may  imagine,  a  buisness  scattered  over  half  the 
deserts  of  the  earth,  and  myse[l]f  a  powerless  lump  of  matter  in 
the  extremity  of  mortal  pain  with  little  hope  of  surviving  a 
day  and  if  it  could  have  been  said  "he  never  existed"  glad  to  go 
down  with  that  sun.  But  with  coming  health  comes  also  a  sense  of 
the  obligations  that  we  are  under  and  say  to  us  "Up  and  be 
doing." 

The  above  my  Dear  Uncle  are  the  clouds  of  sickness  they  will 
pass  off  before  I  reach  the  mountains  and  the  clear  air  of  the  upper 
country.  I  have  received  no  letters  from  home  since  leaving,  '^'•ere 
has  been  however  a  great  number  intercepted  by  one  of  the  3S. 
in  the  mountains  as  I  have  heard.  Perhaps  you  have  written  by 
that  route.  You  will  remember  me  to  my  Aunt  desire  her 
to  accept  that  affectionate  regard  which  she  deserves  from  me. 
That  .she  may  pass  without  vicisCslitude  through  life  is  the  wish  of 
at  least  one  of  her  old  pets.  I  will  not  presume  to  wish  you  any 
definite  good  wish  but  only  that  all  things  may  tend  to  complete 
and  fulfil  your  happiness. 

l^^^ve  me  Dr  vSir     Yr  Affte.  Nephew    Nathl.  J.  Wyeth 

CCVLII. 


Bro  Charles  (Baltimore  1 


Columbia  River     Sept.  22a     1835 


I  am    too    buisA-    and    ton    unwell  to  write 


■f /■'* 


9M| 


WYRTTI'S    ORROON     i:XPKDITIONvS. 


IS3 


much  even  to  you  It  sometimes  appears  to  me  that  the  nearer 
the  person  is  to  whom  I  write  the  less  competent  is  the  mode  to 
the  ideas  I  would  wish  to  express.  However  this  may  be  one 
thing  I  know.  That  to  my  best  friends  I  always  write  the  short- 
est letters  in  fact  I  had  nearly  writ[t]en  you  as  short  an  epistle  as 
Caesars  to  the  Senate  viz  "I  am  sick  dead  and  buried"  and  yet  I 
am  iiot  "the  vScipper"  but  the  last  principle  of  human  life  is  not 
extinct.  Hope  still  maintains  her  throne  and  throws  the  mists  of 
futurity  over  the  deformities  and  misfortunes  that  she  cannot 
hide. 

Our  salmon  fishing  has  not  succeeded.  Half  a  cargo  only  ob- 
tained. Our  people  are  sick  and  dying  off  like  rotten  sheep  of 
billions  disorders.  I  shall  be  off  by  the  first  next  month  to  the 
mountains  and  winter  at  Fort  Hall.  In  the  Spring  I  shall  return 
"nere  then  again  to  Fort  Hal)  and  start  about  June  to  .see  all  in 
the  States,  lucky  if  I  get  through  with  all  this  without  accident. 

I  have  sent  ^  a  bbl.  Salmon  to  you  which  you  will  receive 
through  Mr.  Brown.  I  hope  they  will  be  good  but  as  I  cannot 
personally  attend  to  putting  them  up  I  will  not  insure  it.  Now 
Charley  may  God  give  you  to  enjoy  life,  may  the  wife  be  all  a 
wife  should,  and  may  the  children  be  the  solace  of  your  age. 

I  am  Vr.  afte  Bro     Xathl.  J.  Wyeth. 

CCXIJII. 

Columbia  River     Sept.  2 2d  1835 
Bro.  Leonard     (N  York) 

You  often  complain  of  short  letters  but  as  I  get   no 
return  at  all  even  short  ones  are   enough    for    yon. 

Salmon  half  a  cargo  one  third  of  our  people  on  the  sick  list 
continually,  17  dead  to  this  date  is  the  amount  of  the  summer. 
I  am  but  just  alive  after  having  been  so  bad  as  to  think  of  writ- 
ing up  my  last  letters. 

I  send  you  )4  a  bbl.ofSalmon  but  as  I  can  not  attend  to  putting 
them  up  myself  you  will  excuse  any  imperfection.  You  will  re- 
ceive them  through  Mr.  Brown.  I  am  off  for  the  Mts.  to  winter  at 
Fort  Hall  in  about  6  days.  I  hope  the  winds  of  the  hills  will  bring 
me  up.  I  intend  to  return  to  this  place  in  the  Spring  then  to 
Santi  Fee  thence  home  by  about  the  last  of  Oct.  1836. 

Please  give  ray  compliments  to  my  sister  and  an  affectionate 
kiss  to  all  u»y  little  nieces  and  nephew.  My  respects  also  to  the 
Messrs  Osgoods  and  believe  me 

yr  afte.   Bro.     Nathl  J  Wyeth 

CCXMV. 


Dear  Parents 


Columbia  River     vSept  2:!d     i833[5] 
I  avail  myseCllf  of  the   last   opportunity  of  writing 


154 


CORRKSPONDKNCR: 


[211 


km 


3'ou  for  some   time.     I  expect  to  be  home  by  the    ist    Nov.    next 
year  therefore  this  will  be  my  last  until  I  see   you. 

I  have  sent  you  >2  bbl.  of  Salmon  which  you  will  get  through  Mr. 
Brown.  I  hope  they  will  prove  good  but  I  could  not  put  them  up  my- 
self therefore  if  thay  are  not  quite  right  lay  it  to  anyone  but  me.  I 
have  been  very  sick  but  have  recovered.  The  season  has  been 
very  sickly  and  we  obtained  but  about  a  half  a  cargo  of  Salmon. 
I  am  off  for  the  mountains  in  about  6  days.  You  may  be  sure 
I  am  much  hurried  or  I  would  write  a  longer  letter. 

I  am  yr  afte.  Son     \athl.  J.  Wyeth. 

CCXLV. 

Columbia  River     .Sept.  22d     1835 
Dear  Wife 

I  have  been  very  sick  but  have  got  well  and  shall  be 
on  my  way  to  the  Mts.  to  winter  at  Fort  Hall  in  about  6  da^'s.  I 
expect  to  be  home  about  ist  Nov.  1836.  Mr  Niittall  is  here  and 
well.  I  have  sent  you  )^  bbl.  vSalmon  which  I  hope  will  be  in 
good  order.  I  can  not  attend  to  putting  them  up  myself  there- 
fore they  may  not  be  so  good.  The  season  has  been  very  sickly. 
We  have  lost  by  drowning  and  disease  and  warfare  1 7  persons  to 
this  date  and  14  now  si'^k.  Keep  up  good  spirits  my  dear  wife  for 
I  expect  when  I  come  home  to  stop  there  and  altho  I  shall  be 
poor  yet  we  can  always  live.  I  hope  to  find  my  trees  growing 
when  I  come  and  all  things  comfortable.  I  think  this  will  be 
the  last  until  I  see  you.  Give  my  respects  to  your  mother  and 
Aunt  Rebecca  my  love  to  Sister  Mary  and  Bro.  Perry  if  you  see 
them.     And  believe  me 

Yr  afte  Husband     N.  J.  W. 

For  letters  after  this  date  see  small  letter  Book. 
[The  book  referred  to  has  not  vet  l^een  found.] 


JOURNAL     OF    CAPTAIN     NATHANIEL    J.    WYETH'S 
EXPEDITIONS    TO    THE    OREGON    COUNTRY. 


[The  book  coiitaitiing  the  Journal  has  been  mutilated.  There  are 
traces  of  the  removal  of  four  leaves  just  preceding  the  page  that 
has  the  first  of  the  narrative  preserved.  According  to  "Wyeth's 
Oregon  Expedition' '  the  Wyeth  party  on  his  first  expedition  left 
Independence,  Mo.,  May  3rd.,  1832.  June  6th  would  thus  have 
been  the  thirty-fifth  day  on  the  route.] 

[June  6th,  1832.] 
gray  and  my  face  like  a  plumb  pudding  the  skin  is  entirely 
bare  [?]  of  skin  is  entirely  off  one  of  ni}-  ears  On  the  bluf[f]s 
the  ghnats  are  equally  troublesome  but  they  do  not  annoy  us  much 
except  in  the  day.  Geese  appear  here  mated  and  I  have  seen 
some  broods  of  gooselings.  Some  rain  last  night,  still  barren 
and  grass  bad  our  horses  about  the  same  our  men  troubled 
with  the  relax  toward  night  found  buffaloe  killed  one  which 
made  a  scanty  meal  for  all  hands  for  supper     made  25  miles 

7th  Started  out  hunting  killed  two  antelope  about  10  saw 
a  herd  of  Buffaloe  crossing  the  River  waited  til  they  rose  the 
Bank  and  commenced  slaughter  killed  3  and  wounded  many 
more  these  afforded  a  timely  supply  to  the  party  and  we  ate 
heartCil]}'.  Saw  today  the  first  appearance  of  muskrat  since  leav- 
the  settlements  also  Pelicans.  Last  night  in  cutting  a  tree  for 
fuel  caught  two  3'oung  grey  Eagles  one  of  which  we  ate  and  found 
it  tender  and  good  also  a  Badger  saw  some  rattlesnakes  and  some 
other  kinds  not  known  to  me  the  men  [horses?]  appear  a  little 
better  the  men  [horses?]  about  the  same  Thr.  go  deg.  wind  S.  H. 
my  face  so  .swelled  from  the  musquitoes  and  ghnats  that  I  can  scarce 
see  out  of  my  eyes  and  aches  like  the  tooth  ache 

9th  I  date  this  the  same*  on  ace  of  a  mistake  of  a  day  her[e]- 
tofore  made  30  miles  and  yesterday  25  arrived  at  the  Chimney  or 
Elk  Brick  the  Indian  name  this  singular  object  looks  like  a 
monument  about  200  feet  high  and  is  composed  of  layers  of  sand 
and  lime  stone  in  layers  che  sand  blowing  out  lets  the  lime  rock 
fall  down  and  this  action  has  in  time  reduced   what    was  once  a 

*'\Saine"  here  seems  to  mean  "as  I  do". 


'56 


JOIRXAI/. 


[213 


hill  to  a  spire  of  nearly  the  same  dimensions  at  top  and  bottom  it 
looks  like  a  work  of  art  and  the  layers  like  the  ranges  of  stone  it 
is  scituated  about  3  miles  from  the  river.  Rain  and  thunder  at 
night  wind  strong  S.  E.  river  as  muddy  as  ever  the  bluf[f]s  for 
the  last  20  miles  have  occasionally  a  few  stinted  trees  apparently 
Pitch  pine  and  cedar  the  small  streams  that  here  empty  into  the 
Platte  are  frequently  dry  near  the  river  during  the  day  while 
above  they  are  running  free  while  at  night  there  is  rutuiing  water 
entirely  to  the  river  Party  in  better  order  Horses  about  the 
same  we  now  judge  ourselves  within  4  davs  march  of  the  Black 
Hills 

loth.     28  miles,     2  BuflFaloe 

r  I  th     30  miles,     6  BuflFaloe 

1 2th  Nothing  remarkeable  crossed  Wild  Horse  Creek  coming 
in  from  the  S. 

13th  Came  in  sight  of  the  Bla«^k  hills  and  crossed 
Larriraee  fork  of  the  Platte  in  getting  over  one  of  my  rafts 
broke  the  tow  line  the  raft  went  down  stream  lodged  on  a  snag 
and  upset  wetting  most  of  the  goods  on  it  and  loosing  two  Horse 
loads  as  it  lodged  in  the  middle  of  the  river  and  the  stream  [being] 
very  rappid  the  goods  were  with  difficulty  passed  ashore  here 
an  alarm  was  occasioned  by  the  appearance  of  4  men  on  the  bluf[f]s 
behind  us  and  an  attack  was  expected  every  moment  which  would 
have  been  bad  as  our  party  was  much  scattered  in  crossing 
They  However  proved  to  be  apart  of  a  party  of  19  men  in  the  em- 
ploy of  Gant  &  Blackwell,  They  last  winter  lost  all  but  3  of  their 
animals  and  in  going  to  Sante  Fee  got  enclosed  by  snow  in  the 
mountains  and  nearly  starved  to  Death,  and  at  first  they  were 
hard  to  tell  from  Indians  or  devils  they  are  now  in  good  health 
having  felt  well  for  some  time  all  of  them  joined  Mr.  Fitzpatricks 
party  and  proceeded  on  foot  with  us  to  the  mountains.  Killed  an 
antelope 

14th  r,tarted  late  and  left  the  river  at  which  we  had  en- 
camped  and  proceeded  16  miles     killed  one  antelope  and  one  elk 

15th      went  out  for  game   killed   one   antelope,  2    deer  2  Buff- 
aloe     made  this  day  20  miles   and 
hills     the  country   is   now   thinly 
Pitch  pine  cedar  and   cotton    wood 
among  which  are  the  cherry-,  currant  and  thorn     wild  sage  here 
almost  covers  the  country  and  is  a  plant  of  many  years  gro[w]th 

arrived  at  camp  found  the  company  had  killed  plenty  of  BuflTaloe 
and  were  encamped  on  a  small  stream  coming  in  from  the  vS.  20 
miles. 

1 6th  Warm  in  mng.  cold  and  rainy  in  the  afternoon  a  little 
hard  snow  on  the  Peak  of  the  Black  hills  a  white  Bear  was  seen 
this  day  Black  ones  for  some  days  past.  The  lime  rock  still  con- 
tinues    primitive  peb[b]les  in  the  streams  and  on  the  knols     the 


passed   the   first  of  the  Black 

wooded   with    Box  Elder  ash 

and  a  variety  of  small  shrubs 


2I4l 


wvi-rnrs    i-mrst   kxpivdition. 


>.S7 


20 


hills  pointed  up  very  sharp  from  the  same  cause  as  the  Chimney 

the  country  appears  desolate  and  dreary  in  the  extreme  no  one 
can  conceive  of  the  utter  desolation  of  this  region  nevertheless 
the  earth  is  decorated  with  a  variety  of  beautiful!  iiowers  and  all 
unknown  to  me  hard  travelling  disenables  our  botanist  to  exam- 
ine them  we  have  on  the  whole  meat  enough  but  the  supply  is 
too  unsteady.  There  are  here  two  kinds  of  Rabbits  the  largest 
weighing  al)Out  1 5  lbs  ears  6  inches  long  plover  and  other  marsh 
birds  a[re]  common  and  some  2  or  3  kitids  of  (iuUs.  Struck  the 
Platte  river  again  here  about  100  yds  wide  the  water  high  and 
rapid  we  here  find  a  small  kind  of  Parsnip  the  blossom  yellow 
root  about  5  inches  long  '2  inch  thick  of  more  than  one  years 
gro[with  the  men  appear  better  Horses  about  the  same  made 
this  day  20  miles 

17th  Wind  high  N.  \V.  Ther  40  a  drear  and  cheerless  day 
made  25  miles  killed  3  Buftaloe  i  antelope  i  Deer  crossed  2 
small  streams  from  the  Black  hills  running  into  the  Platte  saw 
sotue  rabbits  &  white  bears    Hops. 

uS     reached  the  place  for  fording  the  platte 

?  9th  Passed  over  my  goods  during  a  severe  wind  without  ac- 
cident 

20th  Mr  Subblettee  passed  over  his  goods  and  at  night  mooved 
on  about  3  rniles 

2ist  Made  along  march  of  3  miles  during  which  one  of  my 
Horses  gave  out  killed  this  day  3  Buffaloe  and  fired  at  a  white 
bear  arrived  at  camp  al  1 1  ock  at  night.  I  have  ommitted 
one  day  on  the  other  side  of  the  Platte  I  date  this  right  we  ar- 
rived at  Rock  Independence  at  noon  after  a  march  of  1 5  miles 

23=^  Yesterday  we  left  the  Platte  and  struck  the  Sweet  water  on 
which  this  rock  stands  it  is  scituated  in  a  gorge  within  30  feet 
of  the  stream  atid  is  granite  today  is  warm  last  night  frost  and 
the  two  last  days  cold  and  disagreable  from  this  time  to  2nd  July 
frost  each  night  and  snow  once  our  course  lay  in  various  direc  - 
tions  from  vS.  W.  to  N.  W.  following  the  Sweet  water  and  leaving 
the  first  snowy  mountains  on  the  right  hand  on  the  29th  we 
crossed  on  to  the  head  waters  of  the  Colorado  during  all  this  time 
we  found  abundance  of  Buflfaloe  the  travelling  good  but  the  grass 
poor  the  streams  all  fordable  but  rapid  five  streams  have  been 
crossed  to  this  time  and  we  are  now  encamped  on  the  6th  all 
running  into  the  Colorado  trout  are  found  here  also  some  beav- 
er Some  of  my  men  talk  of  turning  l)ack  and  I  give  them  all 
free  liberty  many  of  ray  horses  have  given  out  and  the  rest  are 
failing  fast  and  unless  we  soon  come  to  better  grass  they  will  all 
die  a'.id  leave  me  on  foot     the   waters  ruiuiing   into    Lewis   river 


*Tlie  "23"  is  placed  a  little  above  and  to  the  left  of  tile  word  "left". 
l''roin  the  2rst  on  the  jonriial  was  evideiillv  not  written  iij)  until  the  even- 
ing oi  July  2nd. 


r.sS 


JOrRNAI,: 


[2>S 


jire  not  more  lliiiii  S  miles  (Hslaiil,  on  the  creek  where  we  are 
there  are  pitie  trees  in  shape  likLe]  a  Balsam  tree  leaves  like  a 
intch  pine  Bark  rou^h  yellowish  and  scaly  The  mountains  in 
this  region  are  not  conspicuous  are  isolated  and  admittitig  free 
passage  between  them  in  any  direction  the  creeks  are  sufficiently 
numerous  for  watering  but  feed  is  poor  the  ist  [of]  July  we  rested 
all  the  afternoon  a  respite  quite  acceptable  to  our  wear>''  legs 
Our  average  during  these  days  alxjut  20  miles  but  in  some  cases 
<|uite  circuitous  White  l)ears  are  seen  but  none  have  been  killed. 
Wolves  and  antelopes  plenty,  King  fishers  Our  hunters  have 
just  l)rought  part  of  4  Huffaloe  At  night  encamped  on  the  same 
creek  that  we  passed  this  mng.  and  soon  after  were  visited  by  6 
men  from  Dripps  &  Fontenelles  concern  who  with  13  others  are 
encamped  5  miles  from  this  place.  This  night  at  alx^ut  12  ock. 
we  were  attacked  by  Indians  probalily  the  lilackfoot.  They  ap- 
]iroached  within  50  yds.  and  fired  about  40  shots  into  the  camp 
and  some  arrows  tliey  wounded  three  animals  got  5  from  Mr.  vSub- 
l>lette  One  from  an  Independent  hunter  !Uid  4  which  I  left  out 
of  cam])  for  letter  feed  mine  were  all  poor  and  sore  backed  and 
useless 

3rd  DccamiX'd  and  in  company  with  tlie  men  alK)ve  men- 
tioned proceeded  to  their  camp  and  passed  on  to  our  route  which 
lay  W.  This  night  encam])C(lon  the  waters  of  the  Colorado  25 
miles 

4th  Def^nnped  and  at  noon  crossed  the  divide  and  drank  to 
my  friends  with  mingled  feelings  from  the  waters  of  the  Columbia 
mixed  with  alcohol  and  eat  of  a  Buffaloe  cow  made  this  day  y> 
miles  and  25  yesterday  The  snow  clad  mountains  now  entirely 
surround  us  the  streams  this  side  increase  rapidly.  One  bear 
seen  this  day  the  grass  much  better  and  some  fertile  land  here 
the  eartli  in  some  places  was  frozen  snow  yesterday  and  todaj'. 
Three  of  m>-  men  are  sick  and  I  have  no  spare  animals  for   them. 

5th  We  i^assed  along  a  wooded  River  and  through  a  very  dif- 
ficult road  by  its  side  so  steep  that  one  of  m\-  Horses  loo.sing  his 
foothold  in  the  path  was  reeled  down  about  loc:)  feet  into  the  river 
he  was  recovered  but  so  much  injured  as  we  had  to  leave  him 
shortly  after.      Made  this  day  20  miles 

6th  We  niarchefl  early  and  at  2  ock  stop[p]ed  on  Lewis  river 
and  within  20  miles  of  the  Trois  Tetons  three  ven-  conspicuous 
snow  covered  mountains  visible  in  all  this  region  this  river  here 
runs  nearh'  S.  and  is  divided  over  a  Ixittom  alx)ul  2  miles  and  in- 
to S  streams  very  rapid  and  difficult  the.se  we  forded  which  con- 
sumed the  time  until  night  and  encamped  after  ra.ikiug  iS  miles 
on  the  W.  bank  with  no  grass,  in  the  morning  of  the  7th  we 
proceed[ed]  up  a  small  brook  coming  '-,mi  a  gap  of  the  mountains 
due  south  of  the  Trois  Tetons  and  passed  the  range  of  mountains 
of  this  range  without  much  difficulty  it  is  a  good  pass  for  such  a 
range  and    fresh    animals    would    have    no  difficulty    in    passing 


>i6 


WN'I'.TIfS     IMRST     I'Xl'l'DITinx. 


■  5^) 


tlirouj^h  it  (',1  the  lii^hest  j)()iiil  we  had  snow  accompanied  with 
heavy  thutidf  r  and  being  out  of  meat  fed  ui)on  the  iinier  hark  of 
the  Balsam  trees  a  tree  similar  if  not  the  same  with  the  Ivastern 
Balsam[?l  At  Xight  we  encamped  at  the  foot  of  the  pass  on  the 
western  side  and  at  the  commencement  of  a  large  valley  with  sev- 
eral streams  rumiing  through  it  into  Lewis  River  surrounded 
with  high  and  snow  clad  mountains  The  weather  is  here  warm 
in  the  day  time  hut  frost  every  night  the  grass  is  good  tiie  land 
ordinary.  On  the  <Hth  we  proceed[edJ  into  the  plain  and  after  a 
march  of  lo  miles  arrived  at  the  rendesvous  of  the  hunters  of 
this  region  here  we  found  about  120  Lodges  of  the  Nc/  Perces 
and  about  80  of  the  Flatheads  a  company  of  trappers  of  about  90 
under  Mr.  Dripps  of  the  firm  of  Dripps  (Jt  Fontenelle  coiuiected 
with  the  American  P\ir  Co.  Many  independent  Hunters  and 
about  TOO  men  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  Fur  Co  under  Mess  .Mil- 
ton vSublette  and  Mr  Frapp.  I  remained  at  this  encampment  un- 
til the  17th  during  which  time  all  my  men  l)ut  1 1  left  me  to 
the.se  I  gave  such  articles  as  I  could  spare  from  theneces[s]ities  of 
my  own  Party  and  let  them  go.  While  here  I  obtained  i>S  Horses 
ill  exchange  for  those  which  were  worn  out  and  for  a  few  toys 
such  as  Heads  Hells  red  and  Hlue  cloth,  Powder  atid  Halls  fisli 
liooks  Vermillion  old  Blanketts  We  also  supplied  ourselves  with 
Hufl'aloe  robes  we  have  now  a  good  outfit  and  here  we  found 
plenty  of  meat  which  can  l)e  had  of  the  Indians  for  a  trifle  On 
the  lytli  we  put  out  and  steLelred  vS.  IC.  in  direction  to  a  pass 
through  the  same  mountains  by  which  we  entered  the  valley 
these  Mts.  run  Iv  <S:  W.  and  the  pass  I  refer  to  is  the  next  Iv  of 
the  one  refer[r]ed  to  and  through  it  the  waters  of  this  valley  reach 
Lewis  River  which  is  on  the  vS.  side  of  tViis  range  at  night  we  en- 
camped within  about  S  miles  of  the  commencement  of  the  pass  On 
the  iSth  we  did  not  leave  cam))  when  near  starti:,g  we  ol)«erved 
2  partys  of  Indians  coming  out  of  the  pass  aliout  200  in  numb::;r 
with  but  few  horses  after  securing  our  camp  our  riders  went  out 
to  meet  them  and  soon  iound  them  to  be  Hlackfeet  a  little 
skirmisli  en.sued  one  of  the  Hlackfeet  was  killed  and  liis  Hlanketl 
and  robe  l)rought  into  camp  on  this  the  Indians  made  for  the 
timber  the  women  and  children  were  seen  flying  to  the  mountains 
at  this  time  only  42  men  being  the  party  ot  Mess  Milton  Sublette 
&^  I'Vapp  mine  and  a  few  Independent  Hunters  were  in  sight  and 
the  luilians  were  disposed  to  give  us  their  usual  treatment  when 
the>'  meet  us  in  small  bodies  but  while  the  Indians  wc[re]  making 
their  preparations  we  sent  an  exjiress  to  camp  which  soon  brought 
out  a  smart  force  of  Xez  Perces  Flatheads  and  whites  the  Indians 
finding  they  were  caught  fortified  themselves  in  a  masterly  man- 
ner in  the  wood.  We  attacked  them  and  continued  the  attack  all 
day  there  were  probably  about  20  of  them  killed  and  32  horses 
were  found  dead  They  decamped  iluring  the  night  leaving  most 
of  their  utensials  lodges  .Kic  and  many  of  tlie  dead     we  have  lost 


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T,  whiles  killed  S  hadly  wouiuk'd  atnoiiji;  which  is  Mr  \Vm.  Suh- 
lettc  who  was  extremely  active  in  the  ])attle  about  lo  of  the 
Indians  were  killed  or  mortally  wounded  of  the  Xcz  I'erces  and 
Flatheads  in  the  morning  we  visited  their  deserted  fort  they 
had  du^  into  the  ground  to  reach  water  and  to  secure  themselves 
from  our  shot  It  was  a  sickening  scene  of  confusion  and  Rlood- 
Lslhead  one  of  our  men  who  was  killed  inside-*-  their  fort  we  found 
mutilated  in  a  shocking  manner  on  the  19th  we  removed  back 
to  our  former  ground  to  be  near  out  whole  force  and  to  recruit 
the  wounded  and  bur>'  the  dead.  We  think  that  400  lodges  or  about 
600  warriors  of  the  Hlackfeet  are  on  the  other  side  of  the  pass  and 
if  they  come  the>'  must  be  met  with  our  whole  force  in  which  case 
the  contest  will  be  a  doubtful  one.  We  have  mad[e]  Morse  pens 
and  secured  our  camp  iti  as  good  a  manner  as  we  can  and  wait 
the  result  this  affair  will  detaiti  us  some  days.  On  24th  we 
again  moved  out  of  the  valley  in  the  same  direction  as  at  first  viz 
alK)ut  S.  IC.  and  encamped  at  night  in  the  gorge  of  it  during  the 
march  I  visited  the  scene  of  our  conflict  for  the  first  time  since 
the  bat*;le  the  din  of  arms  was  now  changed  into  the  noise  of 
the  vulture  and  the  howling  of  masterless  dogs  the  stench  was 
extreme  most  of  the  men  in  the  fort  must  have  perished  I  soon 
retired  from  this  scene  of  disgusting  butchery  On  the  25th  we 
proceeded  through  the  pass  which  is  tolerably  good  and  in  a  direc- 
tion of  about  S.  W.  by  S.  and  encamped  15  miles  on  Lewis 
River  (here  concentrated  into  one  rapid  stream)  and  about  30 
miles  S.  of  where  we  crossed  it  in  going  into  the  valley  we  are 
now  employed  in  making  bull  boats  in  order  to  cross  it  One 
Hufifaloe  and  some  antelope  killed  today  26  crossed  the  river  in  a 
bull  boat  without  accident  in  4  hours  and  moved  on  in  a  westerly 
direction  about  4  miles  when  we  struck  into  a  deep  ravine  with  a 
little  water  in  it  this  ravitie  is  bordered  by  high  presipices  on 
each  side  and  is  small  3  miles  up  this  we  encamped  for  the  night 
this  stream  is  called  Muddy  as  there  is  several  of  this  name  it  is 
requisite  to  distinguish  this  by  the  cognomen  of  Muddy  that  falls 
i'lto  [the]  "Lewis" 

26th  we  moved  up  the  Muddy  until  we  found  the  forks  of  it 
then  followed  the  Right  hand  say  3  miles  then  took  a  south 
direction  and  struck  another  stream  (small)  and  ruiuiing  in  the 
opposite  direction  this  we  followed  aV)out  5  mil[eJ.->  making  15 
this  day  and  encamped 

27th.  We  moved  down  the  stream  until  its  junction  with  an- 
other called  Orays  creek  which  we  crossed  and  assended  a  high 
bluff  and  travelled  an  average  course  of  S.  W^  and  encamped  on 
a  small  creek  making  15  miles  this  day  2  days  since  I  first  this 
side  the  mountain  met  with  the  prickly   pear   and   since    leaving 


■••The  word  "inside"  is  orosseil  out  with    pencil    and  "near"  wrilte.i  above 
it  with  pencil. 


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WVFvTirS     I'IRST     J-Nl'l'DITlON'. 


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the  valley  of  ilie  Rendesvous  the  fruit  that  was  fjjreen  one  »lay 
is  ripe  the  next.  The  nij^hts  are  still  t'rosty  but  the  days  are  very 
warm  as  in  N.  K.  at  this  time  iruits  we  have  3  kinds  [ofj  cur- 
rants one  of  ^"oseherry  all  difl'erent  from  tliose  of  the  l'.  .S.  and 
Service  berrys  all  the  Hrst  are  sour  the  latter  sweet  'lie  coun- 
try throujjh  which  we  have  travelled  for  these  two  days  past 
has  a  stronj^  volcanic  appearance  tlie  streams  occupy  what  ap- 
pear to  be  but  the  cralclks  of  an  over  heated  surface  tlu-  rocks 
are  blown  up  in  blubbers  like  a  smiths  cinders  some  rocks  ten 
feet  through  are  but  a  shell  being  hollow.  A  substance  abounds 
like  bottle  glass  of  about  the  same  wei',ht  not  so  transparent 
about  as  brittle  the  fracture  is  smooth  and  glossy  with  tlie  ex- 
ception of  the  cracks  as  above  the  country  is  tolerably  level  for 
a  mountainous  country  but  excessively  dry.  During  our  first 
days  march  from  Lewis  River  !)eside  the  ravine  above  men- 
tioned we  passed  threecraters  of  small  volcanoes,  ( as  I  suppose )  and 
I  am  told  there  is  a  boiling  spring  near  the  same  place  \Ve  here 
find  buftaloe  plenty  and  fat  and  entirely  <lifferent  from  those  met 
with  in  the  Spring  on  the  Platte  it  is  preferable  to  the  best  beef. 
Our  party  have  taken  lice  from  the  Indians  they  are  a  great 
trouble  as  well  as  the  Musquitoes  these  last  trouble  us  in  the 
day  but  the  frost  seals  their  wings  at  night  when  tlie  first  relieve 
them  until  morning. 

On  the  2S  we  moved  in  a  direction  alwut  S.  W.  and  during  the 
march  took  the  bearing  of  the  Trois  Tetons  which  was  X.  Iv.  by 
K.  and  I  think  75  miles  we  made  7  miles  and  encamped  on  a 
little  stream  meandering  through  a  valley  of  about  100  acres  of 
fine  Black  land  with  the  grass  as  good  as  the  buflfaloe  and  the 
cold  weather  could  admit  of.  Here  we  found  plenty  of  cows  and 
more  Bulls  13  of  the  first  were  killed  they  were  fat  and  we  stop- 
]ied  to  make  meat  the.se  cows  were  killed  by  running  them  down 
which  is  a  dangerous  method  expensive  in  horses  and  Re([uiring 
much  skill  in  Riding  We  of  course  were  obliged  to  employ  help 
for  none  could  be  got  by  approaching  while  they  were  Running 
them 

29th  We  remained  all  day  making  meat  with  a  hot  sun  tliis 
morning  sent  3  men  down  the  creek  fishing  they  caught  21  vSal- 
mon  Trout  and  returned  at  10  this  afternoon  it  rained  hani  and 
during  the  storm  the  squaw  of  one  of  the  party  was  delivered  of 
a  Boy  in  the  bushes  whither  she  had  retired  for  the  purpo.se  it[s] 
head  was  thickly  covered  with  Black  hair  it  was  as  white  as  is 
usual  with  the  whites  in  le.ss  than  an  hour  afterwards  the  scjuaw 
made  her  appearance  in  camp  as  well  and  able  for  a  days  travel 
as  usual  it  continued  raining  all  night  and  until  S  of  the  30 
on  which  ace.  our  march  was  defer[r]ed  for  the  day  which  was 
afterward  fine  and  our  meat  dried  well.  4  Beavers  were  caught 
from  about  12  traps  last  night  daring  this  day  one  of  the  pariv 
saw  an  Indian  which  must  have  been  a  Blackfoot  as  otherwise  he 


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would  have  come  to  camp    yesterday  and  today  we  had  Thunder 
&  Hail  as  well  as  rain. 

ist.  Augt  I  date  this  the  ist.  on  ace.  of  having  missed  a  day  in 
the  time  past.  This  day  we  made  about  1 5  miles  in  a  S.  W. 
direction  and  most  of  the  way  in  a  deep  vallej'  and  encamped  on 
a  small  creek  running  into  one  called  Blackfoot  this  latter  is  the 
second  stream  we  have  passed  which  em[p]ties  into  S.  fork  of  I^ewis 
River  the  first  was  called  Grays  River  and  is  riso  small  (this 
since  crosr.ing  Lewis  River)  Here  we  stopped  until  the  4th  to 
make  meat  of  which  I  made  enough  to  eat  and  no  more  while  the 
other  two  parties  who  had  go[o]dbuRaloe  Riders  and  Horses  made 
considerable  while  her[e]  we  lost  one  Horse  while  attempting  to 
Run  Buffaloe  by  throwing  his  Rider  and  Running  among  the 
Buffaloe  and  going  off  with  them  I  sent  out  a  party  to  get  fish 
of  two  men  they  Returned  with  about  a  peck  of  craw  fish  and  a 
dozen  of  trout  these  average  about  ilb  atid  are  fine  eating.  We 
have  here  the  Sandhill  Cranes  in  plenty.  On  the  4th  we  moved 
due  south  and  crossed  Blackfoot  and  struck  over  to  a  stream  em- 
tying  into  the  same  as  Blackfoot  called  Portneuf  from  a  man  kill- 
ed near  it  iS  miles  here  we  found  Buffaloe  in  the  bottom  and  the 
Hunters  are  now  out  Running  them.  Here  we  remained  this  day 
and  the  5th  whe:i  the  men  I  had  sent  out  to  hunt  the  horse  re- 
turned as  I  had  expected  them  on  the  4th  I  was  much  alarmed 
for  their  saf[e]ty  l)eing  in  u  dangerous  country  while  here  we 
made  7  bales  meat  On  the  5th.  we  raooved  S.  down  the  valley 
3  miles  and  encamped  on  a  creek  running  into  the  valley  on  the 
7th  we  made  21  miles  first  down  the  N.  side  of  the  valley  and 
taking  the  first  creek  running  out  of  the  valley  then  in  a  S.  W. 
direction  and  encamped  on  it  from  the  valley  above  mentioned 
rises  Bear  River  running  into  the  the  Big  Salt  Lake  distant 
about  S.  E.  50  miles  Curra:t:.  and  service  benys  are  now  ripe. 
I  have  been  sick  from  indigestion  for  some  days  more  so  than  i 
ever  was  before.  We  have  here  the  Sandhill  Crane  Turtle  dove 
Robbin  Blackbirds  (Crow  &  Cow)  Kingfishers  Black  &  Mallard 
Ducks,  Oe[e]se.  We  find  meat  making  a  tedious  buisness.  On 
the  8th  we  moved  S.  W.  15  miles  following  the  main  Portneuf 
out  of  ttie  valley  for  about  12  miles  then  took  one  of  its  tributaries 
for  about  3  miles  and  encamped  on  the  S.  W.  side  of  the 
val[l]ey  in  which  this  branch  rii  ns  here  we  cached  6  Horse  loads 
of  goods  and  remained  on  the  9th  &  loth  &  nth  moved  on  in 
a  S.  W.  direction  not  following  any  stream  but  passing  the  ridge 
Iwrdering  the  valley  in  a  low  place  near  where  a  small  run  puts 
into  the  valley  from  a  very  rugged  pass.  We  made  this  day  15 
miles  and  encami^ed  on  a  small  run  going  into  [the]  Portneuf. 

1 2th     We  made  in  a  S.  W.  direction  about  6  miles  not  follow- 
ing any  stream  but  encamped  on  a  very  small  run  with  poor  grass. 

13     We  made  24  miles  in  a  west  and  by  N.  direction   and   met 
no  water  for  this  distance  and  encamped  on  a  very  small  run  issu- 


22o] 


WYKTirS     I'IRST     RXPKDITKIN. 


1 6.^ 


iug  from  a  spring  a  few  miles  from  Lewis  River  we  are  here  in 
sight  of  the  River  running  through  an  extensive  valley  in  a  S.  W. 
d'irection  here  are  the  American  falls  the  place  may  1^  known 
by  several  high  and  detached  hills  arising  from  the  plain  the  falls 
at  one  place  [are]  22  feet  and  the  Rapids  extend  a  considerable 
distance  down  the  River  We  found  here  plenty  of  Buffaloe  sign 
and  the  Pawnacks  come  here  to  winter  often  on  account  of  the 
Buffaloe  we  now  find  no  buffaloe  there  are  here  abundance  of 
Service  berrys  now  ripe  during  a  short  walk  from  cp.mp  this 
mug.  I  saw  a  buff  colored  fox  with  a  white  tip  on  his  tail. 
Wolves  here  serenade  us  ever>'  night  making  more  noise  than  30 
village  dogs  and  better  music  for  they  keep  in  chord  and  display 
more  science  yesterday  we  parted  from  16  men  bound  out  trap- 
ping. We  are  now  in  a  couptr>'  which  affords  no  small  game  and 
a  precarious  chance  for  Buffaloe 

14th  We  made  30  miles  in  a  S.  W.  direction  and  encamped 
on  a  creek  called  Casu*  River  it  joins  the  main  River  below  the 
Am.  falls.  This  days  Ride  was  through  an  excessively  barren 
country  with  no  water  between  the  two  last  camps  on  the  N. 
side  of  the  Lewis  River  and  about  50  miles  distant  from  it  is  a 
range  of  snowy  mounts.  [There  are]also  two  or  three  points  in  the 
chain  of  this  side  with  snow  on  them. 

15th  We  made  along  the  banks  of  the  Ocassia  about  25  miles 
and  encamped  on  the  west  bank  of  it.  The  valley  of  the  Ocassia 
is  about  4  miles  wide  and  of  a  rich  soil  but  th<i  excessive  cold  and 
drouth  of  this  country'  prevents  vegetation  from  assuming  a  fer- 
tile character.  The  air  is  so  dry  that  percussion  caps  explode 
without  striking  and  I  am  obliged  to  put  the  caps  on  and  fire  im- 
mediately except  in  the  night  when  we  consider  it  safe  to  keep 
the  caps  on  the  guns  we  have  in  this  country  a  large  kind  of 
black  crickett  2  inches  long  said  to  be  used  as  foodhy  the  Indians 
they  are  in  great  numbers  and  roost  on  the  sage  at  noonday 
ihere  are  also  in  the  streams  abundance  of  craw-fish  we  see  an- 
telope and  old  buffaloe  sign 

1 6th  We  made  25  miles  up  the  same  side  of  the  Ocassia  then 
crossed  it  and  followed  vS.  W.  3  miles  and  encamped  on  a  small 
mountain  run  making  in  all  28  miles  in  a  W  by  S.  direction 
yesterdays  march  was  in  a  direction  W   by  S. 

17th  We  moved  in  a  W.  by  S.  direction  about  15  miles  to  a 
creek  putting  into  Lewis  River  on  which  we  found  no  beaver  of 
consequence  having  been  trap[p]ed  out  by  the  H.  B.  Co.  some 
years  before. 

1 8th  We  moved  out  up  the  creek  about  Smiles  and  still  found 
no  beaver  saw  one  Pidgeon  Woodpecker  this  creek  runs  through 
what  are  called  cut  rocks  otherwise  volcanic  in  this  region  I 
found  one  mountain  of  Mica   Slate  enclosing  garnetts.     The   Ba- 


*';"he  name  is  thus  written  above  "Ocpssia"  crossed  out. 


tH 


JOIRNAI.: 


[aai 


I 


saltic  rock  appears  to  be  the  same  formerly  and  the  remains  of 
the  Oarnetts  are  in  some  cases  to  be  seen,  also  I  have  found 
here  granite  in  small  blocks  there  is  also  much  white  sand- 
stone compact  the  clefts  [cliflFs?]  on  each  side  of  this  creek  are 
high  and  perpendicular  but  the  bottom  affords  good  grass  for  this 
conntr>'.  There  is  no  timber  except  willrw  and  alder  in  the  bot- 
tom and  cedar  on  the  hills  this  days  course  alwu  S.  along  the 
cr.'ek 

19th  We  moved  up  the  creek  alwut  12  miles  in  a  S.  VV.  di- 
rection there  was  still  little  l>eaver  this  afternoon  I  took  2  men 
and  proceeded  from  camp  about  8  miles  al)Out  V\'.  following  the 
creel'  and  slept  there  at  sunrise  on  the  20th  we  moved  up  al>out 
1 2  miles  in  a  W  direction  and  while  I  was  engaged  in  the  l)rook 
setting  a  trap  we  found  three  Indians  following  us  the  two  men 
were  on  the  bank  and  were  seen  but  myself  in  the  creek  was  un- 
noticed when  they  crossed  to  go  to  the  men  I  presented  my 
pistol  to  the  first  one  who  made  a  precipitate  retreat  back  while  I 
made  mine  to  my  gun  having  got  which  I  bec[k]oned  them  to  come 
to  me  which  they  did  we  then  went  to  camp  which  we  found 
had  moved  this  day  about  10  miles  in  same  direction  these  In- 
dians were  Snakes  the  first  we  had  seen  during  the  march  the 
party  passed  a  hot  spring  the  countr>'  still  volcanic. 

2ist  We  followed  the  creek  in  a  N.  Vv .  direction  about  5  miles 
when  we  met  a  village  of  the  Snakes  of  alxmt  150  persons  having 
about  75  Horses  they  were  poorly  off  for  food  and  clothing  but 
perfectly  friendly  they  are  diminutive  i.  person  and  lean.  Wv 
encamped  to  trade  with  them  but  did  nothing  except  getting  a 
few  skins  for  moccasins  this  morning  caught  my  fiist  Heaver  a 
large  one. 

22«:a  We  followed  the  same  creek  alwut  2  miltejs  and  then 
struck  into  a  ravine  in  a  west  direction  and  in  about  6  miles  came 
to  a  warm  spring  near  a  cold  one  which  formed  a  run  which 
we  followed  in  a  west  by  S.  direction  this  we  followed  aliout  2 
miles  and  encamped  making  this  day  iS  miles 

22nd  We  proceed[ed]  in  a  S.  VV.  direction  and  struck  the 
same  stream  on  another  branch  about  2  mils  from  the  junction 
al)out  15  mils  this  day  these  two  streams  unite  and  run  in  a  N. 
direction  through  impassable  cut  rocks  this  night  caught  2 
Beaver  and  slept  out  of  camp. 

24th  PnKeed  up  the  creek  in  a  S.  W.  by  W.  direction  alxDut 
iS  miles  then  in  a  W.  by  N.  direction  alxiut  6  miles.  The  last 
half  of  this  days  travel  was  through  clefts  of  Scienite  rock  pretty 
.well  broke  to  pieces  by  heat  apparently  we  have  here  2  kinds  of 
Liz[7.]ards  the  one  like  that  of  the  United  States  as  far  as  I  could 
see  the  other  shorter  and  more  sluggish  here  we  find  the  banks 
of  the  streams  lined  with  Diggers  Camps  and  Trails  but  they  are 
shy  and  can  seldom  lie  spoken  and  then  there  is  no  one  who 
could  understand  them  and  they  appear  to  know  little  alwut    the 


I 


[22! 


J32\ 


WVICTirS     I'lRST     MXrivDITION. 


165 
from 


signs  which  afTord  other    Indians  a   mode   of  intellio;ence 
this  region  sp«rcimens  No.  i  are  obtained. 

25th  We  made  in  a  W.  direction  along  the  same  creek  20 
miles, 

26th     In  a  W  by  N.  direction  al)out  20  miles 

27th  In  a  S  \V  direction  toward  a  snowy  mountain  and  leav- 
ing the  last  creek  24  rails  and  struck  one  here  running  S.  Iv. 
Country  desolate  in  the  extreme  most  of  the  creeks  which  have 
water  in  them  on  the  mountains  dry  uj)  in  the  plains  )f 
this  region 

2Sth     did  not  move  more  than  2  mils  up. 

29th  About  5  miles  in  a  S.  \V.  Direction  to  cross  a  range  of 
high  hills  until  we  struck  a  creek  running  in  a  N.  W.  direction 
which  we  followed  12  mils  and  encamped  where  the  creek  goes 
into  the  cut  rocks  this  day  we  parted  from  Mr.  Sublett[e]s  j^arty 
with  feeling  of  regrett  for  this  party  have  treated  us  with  great 
kindness  wliich  I  shall  long  remember. 

.^oth  We  followed  the  creek  in  a  N.  W.  direction  about  12  mils 
through  tremenduous  cut  rocks  I  went  ahead  to  look  the  route  I 
passed  the  smoking  fires  of  Indians  who  had  just  left  4  of  whom  I 
saw  rutniing  up  the  mountain  endeavoured  by  signs  to  induce  them 
to  come  to  me  but  could  not  ^>oon  after  I  came  to  another  camp 
I  happened  to  find  their  plunder  this  induced  them  to  come  to 
lue  3  men  one  boy  4  women  from  these  Indians  I  procured  fresh 
vSalmon  vSprwn  which  was  very  encouraging  as  we  are  nearly  out 
of  provisions  and  the  country  would  afford  us  a  scanty  subsist- 
ence I  gave  these  Indians  a  few  small  presents  to  convince 
them  of  our  friendly  disposition.  This  day  for  the  first  time  in 
this  country  saw  raspberr\-s  these  Indians  gave  me  a  cake  made 
of  service  berrs's  quite  good  they  had  about  a  Dozen  of  spotted 
fish  of  a  kind  I  hjid  never  seen  resembling  a  Tom-cod.  These 
Indians  are  small  alwut  t2o  of  a  good  countenance  they  are 
Snakes  or  Sosshonees. 

30th*  We  followed  the  same  creek  and  made  alMuit  15  [miles]  in  a 
X.  N.  W,  direction  through  a  continued  defile  in  many  places  ad- 
mitting just  room  for  the  water  through  which  in  many  pl.ices 
we  were  obliged  to  make  our  way  The  mountains  on  eacli  side 
are  alK)ut  1000  feet  above  tlie  creek  which  has  a  rapid  dev.~ent 
here  are  a  small  fish  al)ou'.  141b,  similar  to  a  trout  but  with  large 
dark  spots.  We  meet  hei  •?  plenty  of  cherrys  currants  and  goose- 
l)errys  the  latter  sour.  Th-^  last  of  yesterdays  and  the  first  of  to- 
<lays  route  lay  through  IV,  piiritii'  Oranite  rocks  in  their  natural 
state  the  latter  ]>art  of  to  days  was  through  a  stratified  blue 
sandstone  untouched  l)v  fire  for  a  short  distance   then  assumed  a 


*Tlie  author  seems  to  h.ivc  lost  his  hearitij^s  with  liis  dales.  His  unoer- 
laiiity  first  al)l)ears  oil  the  17th  and  coiitimies  ])ateiitly  tliroujjli  to  the  4th 
])r«<x. 


i()b 


lOlRNAl,: 


\  ".> 


>'olcainc  appearance.  This  day  we  assetitled  Ihc  highest  mount- 
ain in  sight  and  found  the  exhibit  an  indescribable  chaos  the 
tops  of  the  hills  exhibit  the  same  strata  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach 
ami  appear  to[havolouce  ft)rm[ed]  the  lewl  of  the  country  and  the 
vall[ejy  to  be  formed  by  the  sinking  of  the  earth  rather  than  the 
rising  of  the  hills  through  the  deep  cracks  and  chasms  thus  form- 
ed the  rivers  and  creeks  of  this  country  creeji  which  renders 
ihem  of  the  most  difficult  character  to  follow  in  the  brooks  we 
have  fresh  water  clams  on  which  we  look  with  some  feeling  for 
*<ie  small  (juantity  of  Huffaloe  meat  now  ren>ai!>ing  admonislies  us 
loiik  for  some  other  means  of  living  game  there  is  little  and  be- 
itig  oblige<l  to  travel  prevents  <mr  hunting  much,  from  this 
])lace  the  sjiecimen  in  Bag  No.  i  of  vitrified  (juartz  was  taken. 

31st  We  fi>llowed  the  stime  creek  alx>ut  4  miles  in  a  N.  direc- 
li«)n  then  took  a  dry  ravine  2  miles  in  a  S.  Iv  then  :n  a  N.  direc- 
tion and  then  followed  down  another  dry  ravine  alwut  i  mile 
»vhen  the  rtx^ks  on  each  side  closed  over  the  top  and  formed  a 
natural  Bridge  elevated  about  50  feet  while  the  sides  approached  to 
within  20  feet  of  each  other  and  the  bottom  decended  perpendicular- 
ly alwut  60  feet  Ww  of  course  returned  on  our  trail  aiid  then 
ste[e]red  a  N.  li.  direction  a1x)Ut  4  miles  and  encamped  on  a  little 
ravine  in  v/hich  there  was  only  a  little  water  stantling  in  deep 
])laces  and  barely  enough  for  us  and  our  horses.  The  first  half 
mile  of  our  route  lay  through  the  be<l  of  the  creek  and  among 
rocks  from  i  foot  to  3  or  4  in  diameter  this  was  a  very  dif- 
ficult task  and  several  of  our  horses  fell  in  the  water  this  day 
we  lost  two  horses  which  gave  out  the  country  still  l)ears  the 
same  appearance  as  lor  several  days  past. 

2ml  Sept.  We  left  our  camp  in  the  ravine  assended  to  the 
height  of  land  which  we  found  to  be  a  high  level  plain  over  which 
we  marched  in  a  N.  X.  W.  direction  and  found  during  a  10  hours 
march  2  springs  which  as  the  day  was  warm  were  acceptable  at 
the  end  of  30  miles  we  reached  the  creek  which  we  left  on  the  31  si 
We  found  rabbits  plenty  oji  the  plain  our  camp  was  made  sur- 
rounded by  high  and  and  j)erpendicular  clifts  say  800  feet  bearing 
every  mark  of  fire     here  we  fouml  little  grass  for  our  horses. 

3rd  We  lay  at  the  same  camp  and  got  fish  from  the  brook 
enough  fo:  breakfast  after  which  1  took  LaJ  horse  and  followed 
the  creek  down  aV)out  i  mile  and  found  another  larger  joining  it 
a  little  below  which  there  is  a  warm  spring  issuing  from  the  bank 
about  40  feet  above  '.he  stream  it  gives  out  smoke  when  it  meets 
the  air  and  discharges  a  large  c{iuintity  of  water  al>out  2  miles 
farther  down  I  found  a  small  party  of  Indians  from  whom  I  ob- 
laine<l  vS  fish  weight  about  4lbs  each  and  looking  like  a  salmon 
lor  these  1  gave  4  Hooks  they  \\ere  fricndh-  they  advise  me  to 
follow  the  right  hatul  trail  but  1  have  determined  to  take  the 
left  and  shall  perhaps  repent  it.  The  left  leads  N.  W.  which  I 
think  Lis)  my  direction      I   returned    to   camp   an«l    three    of   the 


"4l 


WVIITM'S     FIRST     KXI'HDITION. 


.6; 


Indiuns  with  me.  One  tif  these  Iiidiuiis  hud  a  had  wound  on  the 
side  of  his  head  and  from  his  sijjns  and  appearance  was  made 
with  a  iH)isoned  arrow. 

;trd  We  moved  camp  in  the  proposed  direction  viz  N.  \V.  i6 
miles  I)urinj!f  which  distance  we  fcmnd  stagnant  water  once  and 
encamped  near  about  15  Indians  digj?ers  3  of  our  men  we  left  at 
the  last  camp  to  set  their  traps  at  some  sijjns  there  seen.  These 
In<lians  are  very  poor  and  timid  when  I  approacheil  them  alone 
on  a  gallop  they  all  began  to  run  but  by  moderaling  my  pace  ami 
making  signs  the[y]  suffered  me  to  come  to  them  they  gave  me 
some  sweet  nxit  to  eat  for  which  1  gave  them  3  Hooks  they  had 
a  young  yellow  legged  eagle  with  them  and  most  of  the  diggers 
we  have  met  ha<l  a  small  kind  of  Hawk  at  their  camps  these  they 
feed  and  tame  this  party  also  had  a  young  bird  tame  resembling 
a  King  Bird  this  days  travel  was  on  a  high  plain  and  good  going 
on  an  old  trail  these  Indians  had  with  them  staves  for  fish  spears 
so  we  presume  tliey  are  going  to  the  river  for  fish  and  so  think 
ourselves  on  the  right  trail.  For  three  nights  passed  there  has 
l)eeu  no  frost  a  thing  which  has  not  befor[e]  happened  for  three 
nights  in  all  since  leaving  rock  Indejiendence.  Snow  spit  we 
had  the  2Sth  Aug.  Today  a  slight  sprinkle  of  Rair  l)eing 
the  2nd  time  since  leaving  the  Rendesvous. 

4th  We  left  the  camp  early  and  proceeded  over  a  high  and 
pretty  level  i)lain  gradually  decending  to  the  N.  ^■.  in  a  N.  N. 
W.  directi<m  and  after  20  mils  travel  without  water  came  to 
ravines  running  Iv  and  dry  having  gravelly  and  sandstone  (un- 
touched by  fire)  blu''[fsj  and  in  5  mils  more  came  to  the  creek  we 
had  left  on  mng.  of  the  3rd.  Lon]  the  banksof  which  we  found  every 
20  steps  or  thereabouts  warm  or  hot  springs  and  the  creek  tho 
large  and  discharging  a  great  quantity  (of  |  water  too  warm  to  be 
]>alatable  Here  we  found  an  Indian  aiid  family  of  whom  for  2 
fish  H(H>ks  we  Imught  7  salmon  of  about  4  lbs  weight  each  when 
green,  they  were  split  and  dried.  The  two  men  left  l)ehind  not 
having  yet  come  up  we  intend  halting  here  for  them.  The  creek 
is  here  lined  with  volcanic  rock  today  [we]  saw  the  first  fish 
Hawk  in  this  country. 

4th  Ua[y]  at  camp  and  repacked  our  gotxls  and  held  a  smoke 
with  some  Indians  oiie  of  whom  we  engaged  as  a  guide  down  the 
river  and  to  Heaver   smoked  too  much  and  made  myself  sick 

5th  Moved  on  about  5  mils  N.  X.  \V.  and  again  struck  the 
creek  and  gcwd  grass  found  Heaver  sign  very  plenty  and  for  the 
first  time  set  all  our  traps  at  good  sign  had  a  mess  of  fresh 
dums  for  dinner  after  which  2  Indians  cume  tons  with  4  salmon 
which  we  l)ought  for  2  Hooks  This  day  heard  what  we  all  took  for 
a  catMion  at  about  10  mils  distance  time  will  determine  whether 
we  were  mistaken.  In  this  creek  there  are  a  great  numljer  of 
snakes  about  3  feet  long  witli  u  large  head  and  of  a  brownish 
grey  color  about  the  proportion  of  the   strii)ed    snake    of    X.    1-",. 


t6R 


JOIRXAI, 


["5 


They  Iiihuhit  the  water  and  I  saw  one  catch  a  small  fish  within 
two  feet  of  roe  while  bathing  at  a  warm  spring  which  put  into 
the  main  stream  The  bathing  at  these  warm  springs  is  delicious 
there  are  hundreds  of  them  and  some  large  enough  to  dive  in 
vSome  gush  out  of  the  rocks  at  an  elevation  of  40  feet  above  the 
stream  and  discharge  enough  water  for  a  mill  I  can  jierceive  no 
unusal  taste  in  the  water. 

6th  Remained  at  same  camp  and  were  visited  at  10  ock  in 
the  morning  by  two  Indians  with  whom  we  held  a  smoke  we 
can  learn  nothing  of  any  white  jiost  by  these  Indians  caught  7 
Heaver 

7th  Remained  at  same  camp  and  exchanged  two  horses  with 
some  Pawnack  Indians  three  of  whom  visited  us  also  about  10 
Sohonees  with  Salmon  of  which  they  have  plenty  herewecaught 
a  N .  ICngland  Sucker  also  a  fish  a  little  resembling  [a]  pike  of  alxnit  t, 
lbs  weight  but  without  teeth.  Caught  3  Beaver.  Ravens  are 
here  very  plenty  and  tame  the[y]  light  on  theperi)endicular  sides 
of  the  creek  waiting  for  fish  on  which  they  live.  (ie[e]se  and 
ducks  are  also  plenty  as  well  as  grouse.  Some  of  the  Indians 
have  guns  but  most  of  them  go  unarmed  The  creek  here  for 
alMMit  10  miles  runs  W.  N.  W. 

Sth  Moove<l  camp  down  tlie  creek  alxnit  12  miles  and  came  to 
the  village  under  the  escort  of  al)out  20  Indians  on  Horseback 
one  of  whom  by  the  direction  of  the  chief  shewed  us  the  place 
for  our  camp  where  grass  and  water  could  l>e  had  here  the 
chief  Harangued  his  ])eople  telling  them  not  to  come  into  our  lines 
nor  steal  from  the  white  }>eople  he  sent  his  squaws  with  w<mxI 
for  us  and  also  sent  salmon  for  us  to  eat  I  gave  him  a  present  of 
tobacco  awls  Hooks  Powder  vermillion  knives  ect.  Here  I 
traded  a  Beaver  skin  rol>e  for  two  knives  and  six  skins  with  many 
muskrat  which  are  plenty  here  I  found  these  Indians  great 
thieves  in  the  small  line  knives  ect.  Missing  mine  I  went  to  one 
of  the  Sub  Chiefs  and  told  him  of  it  he  made  enquiry  and  point- 
ed out  the  thiefwho  refusing  to  open  his  Rol)e  I  gently  did  it  for  him 
but  inste[ald  of  finding  the  knife  found  a  coat  of  one  of  the  men 
which  he  ht.id  upon  luitil  I  drew  a  pistol  on  which  he  gave  it  up 
and  caught  up  what  he  supposed  to  Lbe]  one  of  our  guns  but  it 
happened  to  l)e  my  covered  fishing  rod  he  was  then  held  by  the 
other  Indians  and  sent  to  the  village  and  I  saw  him  no  more 

9th  In  [the]  morning  went  tu  see  the  I  ndi^ms  catch  Salmon  which 
is  done  by  entangling  them  in  their  passage  up  the  creek  among 
dams  which  they  erect  and  spearitig  them  they  catch  an  im- 
mense quanity  the  operation  commences  in  the  morning  at  a 
signal  given  by  their  chief.  This  chief  is  a  good  sized  man  atid 
veiy  intelligetit  and  the  President  would  do  well  if  he  could  pre- 
serve the  res'  •"ot  of  his  subjects  as  well  or  maintain  as  much 
dignity 


i 


326] 


WVKTirS     FIRST     HXI'I^IUTION. 


ift*^ 


(o  Moove»l  dowti  the  main  river  ill  a  S.  VV.  direction  which 
here  runs  thron^h  moderate  bniiks  in  u  moderate  curretit  We 
are  told  that  the  next  creek  has  ^)eaver  by  the  chief  and  that  it 
is  4  days  raaich  The  main  river  is  here  fnll  of  salmon  which 
contiiiually  jump  alwve  the  the  surface  like  sturgeon. 

loth  Mooved  camp  along  the  Bank  of  the  river  3  miles  there 
the  river  diverging  to  the  Northward  we  left  it  and  followed  the 
niaiii  trail  the  river  here  goes[?J  through  cut  rocks  about  30 
miles  We  made  this  day  20  mils  in  all  in  a  W.  X.  W.  Direc- 
tion and  encamped  in  poor  grass  on  a  small  creek  i  mile  fnrni  the 
main  river  during  the  march  we  rrossed  a  small  creek  up  which 
alxiul  2  "mils  is  a  fine  camp. 

I  ith  Moved  at  3  a.  m.  and  followed  the  trail  24  mils  in  a  W. 
N.  W.  Direction  and  encamjjed  on  the  bank  of  the  main  river 
which  is  here  a  fine  stream  about  a  •  .<  mile  or  over.  I  swam 
across  it  and  found  it  over  my  head  all  the  way  here  we  found 
Indians  and  Iwught  Beaver  3  skins  for  i  shoe  knife  and  4 
charges  powder  tt  lead  we  also  got  salmon  of  them  the  Basalt 
here  occurs  resting  on  sand  and  gravel  in  some  places  the  rock 
is  not  more  than  4  feet  thick  and  appears  to  have  suflFered  from 
intense  heat  the  countn.' is  barren  in  the  extreme  there  is  us- 
ual[l]y  a  difference  of  40  deg.  between  the  day  &  night  the  heatat 
noondav  about  7^s  to  H5  deg.  The  Indians  here  have  large  nets 
made  in  the  luiropean  manner  of  the  hemp  of  the  country.  The 
trail  on  the  river  so  far  is  fine  and  much  used. 

12  .Moved  camp  15  miles  on  the  trail  in  a  W.  N.  W.  direc- 
tion and  following  the  bank  of  the  river  which  is  here  a  gentle 
stream  of  about  4  miles  and  4  mile  wide,  (inats  here  trouble 
us  »nuch  and  the  days  are  extremely  hot  about  S5  deg.  and  the 
nights  warm  enough  for  comfort  The  river  is  full  of  salmon  and 
a  plenty  «)f  them  are  to  lie  had  of  the  Indians  whom  we  meet 
every  fe\v  mils  fishing  on  the  banks  of  the  stream  Some  of  the 
grass  is  here  so  salt  that  it  can  be  washed  in  a  pot  of  water  and 
enough  seasoning  for  Iwiling  obtained  grass  is  generally  poor. 
The  banks  are  here  generally  sand  Many  kinds  of  water  fowl 
frequent  the  river  here  today  we  Iwught  a  fish  of  the  Indians 
dried  excessively  fat  and  when  alive  a  large  fish,  sturgeon 
probably 

13th  moved  camp  along  the  bank  of  the  river  and  following 
the  trail  24  miles  only  deviating  from  the  river  about  3  mils 
of  the  last  of  the  travel.  The  first  6  miles  the  river  is  W.  the 
next  3  X.  W.  then  S.  W.  3  then  taking  a  circular  sweep 
round  to  N.  by  E.  which  was  9  miles  then  left  the  river  and  in  3 
miles  struck  a  creek  about  as  large  as  Charles  River  at  Water- 
town,  where  we  found  grass,  salmon  and  Indians  and  the  first 
timber  we  have  seen  since  leaving  the  Mts.  in  sight  on  what  ap- 
pears to  Ix;  a  river  coming  in  from  the  X.  side  this  I  mean  to 
ascertain  tomorrow  and  the  next  day  I  shall   start  to  explore  the 


190 


JorKNAI,: 


["7 


1 

1 

11' 

1 

w 

S< 

1 

M 

creek  for  Heaver  This  foreiiocm  and  yesterday  foremxin  were 
cloudy  and  the  first  cloudy  weather  for  2  months  except  as  men- 
tioned before.  \Ve[alther  still  as  warm  as  8o  deff.  in  day  time 
huy  sjilmon  for  a  hook  apiece. 

i4tb  Mooved  camp  in  a  N.  N.  W.  Direction  5  miles  and  en- 
camped on  the  main  river  being  out  of  provisions  I  sent  a  man 
on  a  mule  to  buy  some  salmon  he  went  up  the  river  about  .^ 
miles  and  called  to  some  Indians  oti  one  of  the  Islands  to  brinji; 
some  these  he  bought  afterward  another  Indian  came  over  witli 
some  the  man  thinking  he  had  got  nearly  enough  offered  him  a 
less  price  this  displeased  the  Indian  who  slapped  him  in  the 
face  and  at  the  same  time  hit  the  mule  a  kick  which  set  him  out 
on  the  run  and  the  Indian  ran  (|uick  enough  to  avoid  vengeanci- 
the  man  came  to  camp  much  displeased  having  had  to  walk  m<>st 
of  the  way  and  carr>'  his  fish  this  day  also  visited  by  Indians 
from  below  with  salmon 

j.Sth  vSent  ,^  men  and  4  animals  to  examine  the  small  river 
for  i)eaver  this  day  a  N.  \V.  wind  much  like  the  N.  K.  of  the 
Atlantic  with  some  little  rain  (at  the  same  camp)  this  day  took 
a  ride  down  the  river  to  examine  for  a  camp  i6th  X.  \V.  wind 
still  took  a  ride  up  the  river  to  find  a  camp  where  timl)er,  fit  for 
a  raft  which  we  projxjse  to  build  to  carr>'  some  of  the  loose  bag- 
gage and  some  men  who  are  on  f(x)t  can  lie  found,  fouiul  none 
saw  some  beaver  «ign  in  trading  for  some  salmon  an  Indian 
attempted  to  sna[t]ch  a  paper  of  fish  hook[s]  from  me  but  he  did 
not  make  out  returned  to  camp  and  sent  two  men  to  trap  for 
the  l)eaver  they  left  their  horses  and  went  into  the  willows  to 
look  [for]  the  sign  during  which  time  the  Indians  none  of  whom 
were  in  sight  stole  a  cloak  from  Mr.  Ball.  They  found  the  beaver 
had  lately  l)een  trapped  out  say  within  t,  weeks  next  morning 
they  returned  to  camp 

17th  Mooved  camp  X,  by  W.  16  miles  and  encamped  on  a 
creek  alxiut  as  large  as  the  last  near  a  few  lodges  of  Indians  the 
main  river  about  two  miles  to  X.  K.  This  creek  appears  to  run 
,S.  W,  The  Inds.  say  there  is  leaver  on  it  the  main  river  here 
makes  a  considerable  detour  to  the  X.  Yesterday  had  hail  and 
rain  ^St  snow  and  today  the  Mts.  to  the  Xorlhward  are  wliite 
with  it. 

iSth  With  2  men  I  went  up  the  creek  this  I  followed  aliout 
50  miles  and  found  its  general  course  abcnit  VV  by  X.  the  first 
15  miles  S.  \V.  then  \V.  20  then  X.  X.  VV.  15  where  the  cut 
rocks  liegin  This  is  a  large  stream  when  the  waters  are  high  in 
the  spring  but  now  is  sluggish  here  we  got  a  few  beaver  It  had 
been  trapped  by  the  H.  B.  2  years  before  we  .saw  no  Indians 
on  it  during  the  9  days  I  was  up.  On  the  loth  day  I  returned  to 
where  I  left  the  party  and  feeling  in  the  mood  of  banter  I  told 
the  Indians  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek  (the  party  having  left)  that 
I  had  eaten  nothing  for  two  days     this  to  see  if  they   would   give 


aa8] 


\VVi:Tns     I'IKST     IvXPHDITION. 


»7« 


tnc  atiythiii);  for  charity  sake.  One  of  them  went  and  looked  at 
ray  saddle  and  pointed  to  me  the  fresh  bUxKl  of  n  l>eaver  I  had 
that  morning  caught  and  left  with  the  two  men     I    then    bought 

2  silm'Mi  for  one  awl  afterward  I  told  him  I  had  three  children  at 
home  he  brought  forward  three  tawny  l)rats  and  his  s({uaw  who 
was  big  I  backed  out  of  story  telling  with  Indians.  I  then  pro- 
ceeded on  until  the  moon  went  down  when  seeing  a  light  1  made 
for  it  after  traveling  s  miles  I  found  it  to  b»«an  Indian  camp  on 
the  other  side  of  the  river  I  then  unsaddled  my  horse  and  slept 
uhtil  4  ock  when  I  mounted  and  at  9  ock  found  where  my 
party  had  camped  the  same  night  and  a  notice  in  the  trail 
of  their  motions  at  1 1  ock  I  overtook  them  with  my  horse  lame 
and  jaded.  1  fo.itid  an  Indian  with  the  party  who  seems  to  know 
the  route  to  Wallah  Wallah  and  he  intends  going  with  us  Dur- 
ing my  absence  the  three  men  sent  up  the  creek  above  the  one  I 
went  up  returnetl  without  accident,  and  during  the  same  time  Mr. 
Sublette  with  Mr.  Frapp  &  party  joined  our  camp  and  crossed 
by  fording  to  the  othei  side  of  the  river  intending  to  divide   into 

3  parties  and  trap  up  three  streams  coming  in  opposite  the  up- 
per one  of  which  we  thought  to  be  salmon  river  it  proves  to  l>e 
called  Big  Woody  on  account  of  the  timl)er  on  it.  They 
attempted  to  come  down  on  the  creek  above  the  one  I 
asscended-  but  after  toiling  long  and  wearing  down  their  horses 
in  a  cruel  manner  they  crossed  to  the  one  that  we  decended  and 
arrived  at  the  Indian  village  the  day  after  we  left  it  he  left  be- 
fore I  returned  I  regretted  much  not  seeing  this  party,  from 
Information  gained  here  we  suppose  that  we  shallmeet  no  Indians 
l»etween  this  and  the  fort  have  threfore  provided  as  much  salmon 
as  we  could  get  and  put  ourselves  on  allowance.  Subblette  who 
went  to  2  creeks  further  than  I  did  saw  a  large  stream  running 
S.  W.  this  must  either  turn  andl)e  some  large  river  coming  in- 
to Lewis  below  here  or  be  the  head  water  of  some  river  going  to 
the  (Uilph  of  California.  After  joining  camp  we  proceed[ed]  on 
to  a  creek  coming  from  the  N.  W.  which  is  our  route  the  river 
here  being  impracticable  and  taking  a  great  bend  to  the  \.  and 
shall  wait  here  until  the  two  men  who  went  up  with  me  come  to 
camp  The  river  from  where  I  lef[t]  camp  runs  about  X.  20  miles 
then  west  10  miles  then  X.  again  into  cut  rocks  found  the  party 
all  well  and  the  horses  much  recruited 

29th     We  lay  at  same  camp. 

30th     Mooved  alx)ut  5  miles  the  creek    rutuiing   a)x)ut    W. 

I  Oct     Mooved  camp  along  same  creek  about  5  miles  still  W. 

2nd  At  same  camp  at  this  place  the  bears  dung  was  plenty 
but  we  saw  but  one. 

3rd  Moved  camp  about  15  miles  creek  still  west  and  trail 
good. 

4th  With  an  Indian  and  4  men  I  left  camp  in  order  to  explore 
this  creek  the  X.  W.  trail  here  leaving  it     after   leaving   camp    I 


[OIRNAI, 


I  J^» 


j)rocee(l[ed]  over  1)ad  hills  al>oiu  iS  miles  au'I  fiioamped  anions 
cut  rocks  on  the  same  creek  it  here  beiii^  W.  by  vS.  during;  the 
march  we  obs^Mved  a  ratine  of  hi\(h  snowy  mountains  to  the  N. 
of  us  but  wLhlether  on  our  >ide  of  the  river  or  not  could  not  de- 
termine. 

Sth  Made  alnrnt  5  miles  throui^h  intolerable  cut  rocks  some 
beaver 

6th     At  same  camp. 

7th  5  mils  on  same  creek  which  l>ears  W.  !)y  S  here  left  it. 
liavitiK  sent  a  messenger  to  camji  with  orders  to  proceed  on  the 
route  to  W'dlah  Wallah  and  ste[e]rinK  north  pas.std  some  snow 
clad  mounts,  which  we  walked  up  with  bare  feet  and  after  25 
mils  struck  a  sm.ill  run  ^i)ing  into  the  next  creek  during  this 
day  we  passed  through  an  immense  forest  of  pine  of  difierent 
kinds  and  unknown  to  us  altho  very  similar  to  some  of  ours 
on  these  mountains  we  found  unripe  .service  berrys,  cherrys  and 
thorn  apple  all  of  which  are  gone  on  the  rivers  it  snowed  and 
rained  most  of  the  day     many  of  the  pines  were  4  feet  through 

Hth  Moved  4  nules  to  the  main  creek  and  laid  down  cold  an<l 
hungry  and  supperless  hoping  that  our  traps  wotdd  give  us 
l)eaver  in  the  morning 

9th  (fOt  7  beaver  and  went  to  eating  like  good  fellows  moov- 
ed  this  day  6  miles  down     creek  here  ruiuiiug  about  N. 

loth  Mi)ved  N.  and  down  creek  alwut  15  miles  and  found 
the  rest  of  the  party  who  had  come  on  the  mail  trail  in  an  average 
N.  W.  direction  alK)ut  45  miles  This  day  rain  this  creek 
fnmi  where  we  struck  it  to  this  place  runs  in  an  extensive  plain 
of  fertile  snile  equal  to  the  best  I  ever  .saw  of  about  5  mils  average 
width  here  we  raised  a  great  smoke  and  am  told  by  our  Indian 
that  the  Nez    Perces   will   s^e  it   and   cnm^   to   smoke   with    us 

nth  To  the  S.  W.  of  us  is  a  range  of  snow  clad  Mts.  the 
Indian  says  it  is  7  days  to  Wallah  Wallah.  This  creek  runs 
about  N.  Iv.  by  l\. 

nth  Started  at  S  ock  and  moved  alnnit  N.  N.  W.  30  miles 
over  high  ground  of  gtx)d  soil. 

1 2th  Left  the  party  after  killing  a  horse  of  the  poorest  kitid 
for  food  in  order  to  go  ahead  to  find  indians  or  whites  or  food 
The  party  here  remained  one  day  in  a  valley  of  alx)ut  20  miles 
long  and  1 5  wide  of  a  very  fertile  soil  in  this  valley  saw  exten- 
.sive  camps  of  Indians  alx)ut  one  month  old  here  they  find  sal- 
mon in  a  creek  running  through  it  aud  dig  the  Kamas  root  but 
not  an  Indian  was  here  at  this  time  we  put  out  in  a  N.  W.  di- 
rection and  assended  the  hills  which  soon  became  wooded  with 
good  timber  our  course  this  day  was  about  N.  N.  W.  and  40 
miles  I  had  with  me  an  Indian  and  three  men  and  a  little  horse 
meat     we  camped  this  night  in  the  woods  without  water. 

13th  Arose  early  and  continued  our  route  until  9  ock  and 
stopped  for  breakfast  of  bad  Horse  meat  on    a  creek  of  some  size 


2.V»1 


WYirrirs   riRsr    hxi'iidition. 


•73 


where  we  fouiiU  the  red  thorn  upple  uiul  a  few  cherries  after  ^^ 
hnur.H  step  we  moved  across  the  creek  which  runs  West  and  is 
called  Ottillah  on  ascending  the  op|H)site  t)hiff  we  saw  a  smoke 
al>oul  20  rails  down  on  it  to  which  we  went  and  found  some 
poor  horses  in  charf^e  of  a  sciuuw  and  some  children  the  men 
were  all  out  huntiti};  they  had  no  fiK)d  but  rose  lierrys  of  which 
we  made  our  supper  they  were  much  friKht[en]ed  at  our  approach 
there  having  lieen  some  Indians  of  this  tribe  vi/  Walla  Walla 
killed  by  the  snakes  above,  and  this  family  was  murdered  the 
ni}(ht  after  we  left  them 

In  the  morning  of  the  14th  we  put  out  about  N.  and  arrived  at 
fort  Walla  Walla  about  5  ock  in  the  evening  distance  30  miles 
near  the  fort  the  river  Walla  Walla  was  crossed  which  is  aUiui  75 
feet  wide  and  atmut  2  feet  deep  current  motlerate  the  size  of  the 
last  creek  passed  I  was  received  in  the  most  hospitable  and 
gentlemanly  manner  by  Peanbron  [  Pambrun]  the  agent  for  this  post 
the  fort  is  of  no  strength  merely  sufficient  to  frighten  Indians 
mounting  2  small  cannon  having  two  bastions  at  the  opposite 
corners  of  a  square  enclosure  there  were  6  whites  here.  My 
party  arrived  on  the  iHth  having  fared  for  food  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  myself  but  for  a  longer  time.  They  met  a  Nez  Perce  vil- 
lage on  the  1 6th  and  got  a  supply  of  foo<l  they  passed  my  trail 
and  went  X.  of  it  and  struck  the  main  river  alx)ve  the  fort  the.- 
broughLt]  in  all  the  horses  At  the  post  we  saw  a  bull  and  cow  & 
calf,  hen  &  cock,  piitikins,  pDtatoas,  corn,  all  of  which  looked 
strange  and  unnatural  and  like  a  dream.  They  gave  me  a  de- 
cent change  of  cloth[e]s  which  was  very  acceptable  I  took  a  ride 
up  the  river  9  miles  to  the  junction  of  Lewis  River  which  comes 
in  from  the  S.  K.  and  soon  ♦.akes  a  »S.  course  the  Columbia  comes 
here  from  the  N.  W. 

On  the  19th  I  took  leave  of  my  hospitaole  entertainer  in  one  of 
the  Cos.  barges  with  ray  party  leaving  my  horses  in  his  charge  at 
the  fort  and  proceeded  down  the  river  about  4  mils  and  s[t]opped 
to  tighten  our  boat  the  river  forms  fine  eddies  to  work  up  with 
and  about  3  mile  current  down  the  2nd  run  of  fish  failed  this 
year  in  the  river  and  the  Indians  are  picking  up  the  most  nause- 
ous dead  fish  for  food     the  course  of  the  river  [is]  about  S.  W. 

2oth  I«eft  the  beach  at  sunrise  the  River  still  S.  W.  and  kept 
on  until  about  noon  when  a  furious  wind  arose  from  the  S.  \V. 
and  stopped  our  further  progress  the  sand  flew  so  as  to  oliscure 
the  air  Here  we  traded  a  few  fish  from  the  natives  for  Hooks 
awls  powder  &c  made  10  miles  during  which  we  passed  some 
rapids  of  a  l>ad  character  at  which  in  times  of  high  water  jwrtage 
is  neces.sar>'  the  ge[e]se  are  numerous  seated  on  the  banks  of  the 
river.  River  W.  by  S.  a  large  snowy  mountain  S.  W.  by  W. 
ahead  which  the  river  leaves  to  the  left  called  by  the  French 
"Montague  de  Xeige"     made  10  miles 


'74 


JOURXAI, 


[2^1 


2 1  St  W'itid  same  but  more  moderate  Put  down  the  river  st.iU 
W  by  S.  passed  a  large  Island  at  the  lower  end  of  which  we 
stopped  for  the  night.  Ther.  22  deg.  Made  16  miles  during  the 
day  our  boatman  bought  a  colt  which  we  found  fine  eating 
shagg  and  ge[e]se  plenty 

22nd  Made  30  miles  wind  raoderatt  and  no  rapids  of  much 
dif[f]iculty  stopped  at  night  at  a  village  where  was  a  chief  sick  to 
whom  our  conductor  administered  some  medicine  and  bled  him 
his  eyes  were  exceeding  yellow  and  his  blood  after  standing  a 
short  time  was  covered  with  a  scum  of  yellowish  green  he  gave 
us  a  horse  to  eat  of  which  he  had  260  in  fine  order  and  of  good 
breed  we  found  the  meat  equal  to  any  beaf  and  quite  different 
from  the  poor  and  sick  old  ones  we  had  eaten.  They  here  sell 
Horses  for  roo  loads  am[mlunition  i  Blankett  and  %  lb  tobacco. 

23rd  The  chief  much  better  and  we  left  him  Yesterday  our 
people  in  search  of  wood  of  which  there  is  none  but  drift  here 
found  a  pile  which  they  brought  to  our  fire  but  were  soon  told 
by  the  natives  that  they  had  robbed  the  dead  we  will  avoid  the 
like  mistake  in  the  future  we  made  this  day  28  miles  during 
which  distance  we  passed  one  bad  rapid  and  the  river  John  Day 
from  a  trader  of  that  name.  This  river  is  large  but  ob.structed 
by  rapids  and  enters  from  the  S.  is  79  miles  below  VV%illa  Walla 
no  rain  as  yet  but  we  are  informe<l  that  the  rain  is  now  constant 
l)elow  the  falls  we  see  Indiatis  every  few  miles  who  come  off  to 
trade  what  little  articles  they  have  sometimes  with  nothing  to 
beg  a  chew  of  tobacco  sometimes  with  a  little  wood  for  fuel 
sometimes  with  two  3,  one  or '^  a  fish  a  few  berry  s  our  conductor 
appears  to  have  a  wife  at  each  stopping  place 
how  many  more  sable  beauties  god  only  knows 
are  tolerably  honest  but  will  steal  a  little. 

24th  vStarted  about  9  and  after  about  [6  miles]*  passed  the 
grand  falls  of  the  Columbia  just  above  which  a  small  river  puts 
into  the  Columbia  about  the  size  of  the  small  rivers  above  the 
Wallah  [Wallah]  for  instance  these  falls  now  the  water  is  low  are 
about  25  feet  when  the  water  is  high  these  falls  are  covered  the 
water  not  having  a  sufficient  vent  below  the  water  here  rises 
about  40  feet  just  before  arrivitig  at  the  falls  are  considerable 
rapids  the  falls  are  easily  passed  in  boats  at  high  water  we 
hired  the  Indians  about  50  for  a  quid  of  tobacco  each  to  carr^'  our 
boat  about  i  mile  round  the  falls  the  goods  we  carried  ourselves 
shortly  after  passing  the  falls  we  passed  what  are  called  the 
dalles  (small)  or  where  the  river  is  dam[m]ed  up  between  banks 
steep  and  high  of  not  more  than  100  leet  apart  through  which 
the  whole  waters  of  the  mighty  Columbia  are  forced  with  much 
noise  and  uproar  I  passed  through  with  some  Indians  while  my 
men  wetit  round  they  not    being   good   Iwatmen   enough  to  trust 


4  already  and 
these  Indians 


11 '1 
If 


■*So  written  but  crossed  out. 


23i] 


WYKTirS     FIRST     r.XrHDITION. 


'75 


.ind  ftighl[en]ecl  withall.  VVe  are  now  camped  at  the  Great  Dalles 
which  are  still  narrower  and  more  formidable  than  the  small 
having  stopLpJed  after  making  20  miles  the  wind  being  high  and 
unfavorable  for  passing  at  the  gorge  of  this  pass  the  water 
rises[?]  by  the  mark  on  the  rock  at  least  50  feet  forming  a  com- 
plete lock  to  the  falls  above  the  back  water  covering  them  en- 
tirely. The  Indians  are  thieves  but  not  dangerous  before  us 
and  apparently  in  the  river  rises  the  most  formidable  mountain 
we  have  seen  the  country-  ahead  is  clothed  with  forest  to  the 
river  side  which  has  not  been  the  case  before  and  the  western 
horizon  is  covered  by  a  dense  cloud  denoting  the  region  of  con- 
stant rain  during  the  winter. 

25th  Made  this  day  6  miles  and  passed  the  great  dalles  similar 
to  the  small  ones  which  we  passed  yesterday  but  still  narrower 
being  75  feet  about  in  width  through  this  pass  we  went  with  an 
unloaded  boat  at  an  immense  speed  the  goods  and  Baggage  were 
carried  past  on  the  backs  of  my  men  and  some  Indians  hired  for 
that  purpose  my  men  not  being  good  boatmen  and  timorous  I 
hired  Indians  to  work  ours  through  going  with  them  myself  to 
learn  the  way  during  part  of  this  day  we  hud  a  fair  wind  the 
river  still  W.  by  S.  here  we  saw  plenty  of  grey  headed  seals  we 
bought  some  bear  meat  from  the  Indians  which  we  found  very 
fine.  VVe  encamped  for  the  first  time  on  che  river  among  timber 
among  which  I  saw  a  kind  of  oak  and  ash.  Indians  Plenty  one 
chief  at  whose  lodge  we  stopped  a  short  time  gave  me  some 
molasses  obtained  from  [the]  fort  below  to  eat  He  had  a  large 
stock  of  dried  fish  for  the  winter  4  tons  I  should  think  roots  &c 
he  was  dressed  in  the  English  stile  Blue  frock  coat  pants.  &  vest 
comported  himself  with  much  dignity  enquired  my  name  particu- 
ularly  and  repeated  it  over  many  times  to  impress  it  on  his  mem- 
ory his  sister  was  the  squaw  of  an  American  of  the  name  of 
Bache  who  established  a  post  on  the  river  below  the  great  dalles  three 
years  ago  last  fall  and  who  was  drowned  in  them  with  1 1  others  the 
following  spring  the  remainsofthe  fort  I  sawasalso  thegrave  of  the 
woman  who  died  this  fall  and  was  buried  in  great  state  with 
sundrj'  articles  such  as  capeau  vest  pantaloons  shirts  &c.  A 
pole  with  a  knob  at  the  top  is  erected  over  her  remains  at  the 
foot  of  the  Dalles  is  an  island  called  the  Isle  of  the  Dead  on  which 
there  are  many  sepulchers  these  Indians  usually  inter  their  dead 
on  the  Islands  in  the  most  romantic  scituations  where  the  souls  of 
the  dead  can  feast  themselves  with  the  roar  of  the  mighty  and 
eternal  waters  which  in  life  time  afffjorded  them  sustenance 
and  will  to  all  eternity  to  their  posterity. 

26  After  30  miles  of  beautiful  navigation  with  little  current 
and  fair  .strong  wind  and  no  rapids  we  arrived  at  the  Cascade  or 
lower  obstruction  of  the  river  here  it  is  necessary  to  carry  the 
boat  and  the  Indians  are  all  dead  only  two  women  are  left  a  sad 
remnant  of  a  large  numbsr     their  houses  stripped  to  their  frames 


176 


JOrRNAL: 


[233 


are  in  view  and  their  half  buried  dead  this  portage  will  l)ea  hard 
job  during  this  day  I  went  ashore  to  a  small  lake  near  t.ie  river 
I  killed  at  one  discharge  of  my  double  barrelled  gun  5  *  of  them 
which  gave  5  of  us  a  hearty  supper  no  rain  as  yet  but  constant 
appearance  of  it  ahead  at  these  rapids  are  a  great  many  seal  it 
is  a  mystery  to  me  how  they  assend  them.  The  direction  of  the 
river  is  here  about  W  bA'  S.  and  a  little  snow  on  some  of  the  highest  of 
the  hills  this  day  we  passed  the  high  mountain  covered  with  snow 
her[e]tofore  mentioned  it  is  on  the  left  of  the  ri  v£r  and  is  a  more 
stupendous  pile  than  any  of  the  Rocky  Mts.  Always  covered 
with  snow  and  is  called  the  Snowy  mountain. 

27th  in  the  morning  commenced  carrying  the  boat  and  goods 
which  we  finished  at  i  ock.  and  making  9  miles  in  all  stopped  to 
repair  the  boat  which  was  leaky  from  damage  su.stained  in  carry- 
ing    rained  all  this  day  and  saw  but  two[?]  Indians. 

28th  With  a  fair  wind  and  a  little  rain  we  decended  the  river 
at  a  great  rate  on  the  route  we  killed  a  goose  which  dropped  in 
the  water  a  white  headed  Eagle  from  a  distance  seeing  this  took 
occasion  to  come  he  seized  it  and  lifted  it  i'lto  the  air  a  few  feet 
but  our  near  approach  fright[en]ed  him  away  made  this  day  26 
miles  and  stopped  at  a  saw  mill  belonging  to  the  H.  B.  Co  under 
charge  of  a  Mr.  Cawning[?]  a  gentleman  who  came  bere  22 
years  since  with  a  Mr  Hunt  he  is  in  the  service  of  the  Co.  We 
were  treated  by  him  with  the  greatest  kindness  he  gave  us  moc- 
[cjasiii^  and  food  in  plenty. 

29th  Started  at  10  ock  and  arrived  at  the  fort  of  Vancouver 
at  12,  4  miles  Here  I  was  received  with  the  utmost  kindness  and 
Hospitality  by  Doct.  McLauchland  [McLoughlin]  the  acting  Gov. 
of  the  place  Mr  McDonald  Mr  Allen  and  Mr  Mckay  gentlemen  resi- 
dent here  Our  people  were  supplied  witn  food  and  shelter  from 
the  rain  which  is  constant  they  raise  at  this  fort  6000  bush,  of 
wheat  3  of  Barley  1500  potatoes  3000  peas  a  large  quantity  of 
punkins  they  have  coming  on  apple  trees,  peach  Do.  and 
grapes.  Sheep,  Hogs,  Horses,  Cows,  600  goats,  grist  2,  saw  mill 
2.  24  lb  guns  powder  magazine  of  stone  the  fort  is  of  wood 
and  square  thej'  are  building  a  Sch.  of  70  Tons  there  are  about 
8  settlers  on  the  Multnomah  they  are  the  old  engages  of  the  Co. 
who  have  done  trapping.  I  find  Doct.  McLauchland  a  fine  old 
gentleman  truly  philanthropic  in  his  Ideas  he  is  doing  much 
good  by  introducing  fruits  into  this  country'  which  will  much 
facilitate  the  progress  of  its  settlement  (Indian  corn  3000  bush) 
The  gentlemen  of  this  Co.  do  much  credit  to  their  country  and 
concern  by  their  education  deportment  and  talents.  I  find  mj'- 
self  involved  ?n  much  difficulty  on  ace.  of  my  men  some  of  whom 
wish  to  leave  me  and  whom  the  Co.  do  not  wish  to  engage  no[r]  to 
have  them  in  the  countrA-  without    being   attached   to   some   Co. 


*A  wonl  is  omitted  from  thr  iournal. 


2.34] 


WVirrH'S     FIRvST     RXI'KDITrON. 


177 


able  to  protect  them  alledgiiig  that  if  anj'  of  them  are  killed  the^' 
will  be  obliged  to  aveng[e]  it  at  an  expense  of  money  and  ami- 
cable relations  with  the  Indians.  And  it  is  disagreeable  for  me  to 
have  men  who  wish  to  leave  me.  The  Co.  seem  disposed  to 
render  me  all  the  assistance  they  can  they  live  well  at  these 
posts  they  have  200  acres  of  land  under  cultivation  the  land  is  of 
the  finest  quality. 

30th  to  5th.  Nov  remained  at  Vancouver  and   except   the  last 
day  rain. 

6th  started  down  the  river  to  look  with  a  view  to  the  Salmon 
buisness  we  decended  the  river  at  about  4  mils  per  hour  and  ac- 
complished the  journey  in  parts  of  4  days  the  river  is  full  of 
islands  but  they  are  all  too  low  for  cultivation  being  occasionally 
overflowed  as  also  the  praries  (what  few  there  are;  on  tne  main 
land  with  the  exc'.;ption  of  these  small  levells  the  country  is  so 
rough  that  a  great  part  of  the  earth  must  be  inhabited  before  this 
but  the  soil  is  good  and  the  timber  is  heavy  and  thick  and  almost 
impenetrable  from  underbrush  and  fallen  trees  the  description 
of  Mess.  Lewis  &  Clark  and  others  is  fully  borne  out  as  to  size 
and  more  also  the  river  is  so  well  known  at  this  part  of  it  that  I 
will  not  insert  any  observations  of  my  own  there  are  a  great 
number  of  fowl  on  this  river  at  this  time  and  there  will  be  more 
as  they  say  soon  there  are  large  swan  white  ge[e]se  a  goose 
with  a  motled  breast  and  yellow  bill  a  trifle  smaller 
than  the  goose  of  N.  E.  A  white  goose  almost  exactly  like  the 
domestic  goose  of  N.  E.  yellow  feet  and  legs  as  also  the  former 
there  is  another  goose  like  that  of  N.  E.  but  I  think  smaller  there 
is  the  tame  duck  of  N.  E.  with  19  tail  feathers  and  a  fine  duck  to 
eat  there  is  the  grey  duck  of  N.  E.  green  winged  teel  Buffle 
heads  Cape  Races  Dippers  of  the  Sea  loons  seal  deer  I  killed 
one  swimming  the  river  I  saw  no  elk  but  only  tracks  fort 
George  now  occupied  as  a  trading  post  by  the  H.  B.  Co.  is  well 
scituated  on  a  sloping  bank  of  the  river  about  2  miles  outside  of 
Tongue  point  and  6  miles  inside  of  Clatsop  point  Chinnook  point 
is  opposite  the  latter  and  inside  Chinnook  is  a  river  of  small  size 
is  also  inside  Tongue  point  alwve  Tongue  point  about  6  miles 
are  the  Cathlaraetts  they  arc  an  archipelago  of  reedy  Islands 
overflown  at  high  water  Here  are  ducks  innumerable,  the 
Indians  in  this  part  of  the  river  are  of  late  much  reduced  they 
appear  good  and  hosptable  as  far  as  an  Indian  ever  is  that  is  they 
are  willing  to  sell  provisions  for  all  they  can  get  for  them  they 
appear  to  live  well  and  I  believe  any  oiie  may  with  plenty  of 
powder  and  lead  on  this  river  either  as  a  purchase  or  to  shoot 
there  are  no  beaver  here  We  arrived  at  the  Fort  of  \'.  on  the  15- 
th  Nov  having  had  no  rain  during  this  time.  I  must  here  men- 
tion the  very  kind  gentlemanly  conduct  of  Mr.  Jas.  Bernie 
suprintendent  of  Ft.  O.  who  assisted  me  to  a  boat  and  pilot  for 
the  outer  harbor  and  acted  the  part  of  host  to   perfection     I    had 


I7S 


JOrRNAL: 


[235 


much  pleasure  with  a  little  liquor  and  a  pijie  in  his  company  he 
has  seen  much  of  this  country  and  is  of  the  old  N.  W.  concern  I 
derived  much  information  from  him  on  my  return  to  the  fort  my 
men  came  forward  and  unanimously  desired  to  be  released  from 
their  engagement  with  a  view  of  returning  home  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible and  for  that  end  to  remain  here  and  work  for  a  main  t[ en  lance 
until  an  opportunity  should  occur.  I  could  not  refuse  they  had 
already  suffered  much  and  our  number  was  so  small  that  the 
prospect  of  remuneration  to  them  was  ver>'  small  I  have  there- 
fore now  no  men  these  last  were  Mr.  Ball  Woodman  Sinclair, 
Breck,  Abbot,  Tibbits  they  were  good  men  and  persevered  as 
long  as  perseverance  would  do  good  I  am  now  afloat  on  the  great 
sea  of  life  without  stay  or  support  but  in  good  hands  i.  e.  myself 
and  providence  and  a  few  of  the  H.  B.  Co.  who  are  perfect  gentle- 
men During  my  absence  Guy  Trumbul  died  on  the  7th  of  Nov. 
of  the  Cholic  an  attack  of  which  he  had  on  the  Platte  of  which 
he  nearly  died  in  this  case  he  was  taken  in  the  evening  and 
died  early  in  the  mng.  His  funeral  was  attended  by  all  the 
Gentlemen  at  the  place  and  prayers  were  said  accordCing]  to  the 
form  of  the  Church  of  England  for  this  attentivni  to  my 
absense  was  considerate  to  my  feelings  and 
be  duly  appreciated  service  is  here  perform- 
and  on  the  days  prescrilxjd  by  the  church 
down  the  river  was  performed  in 
we  hired  for  a  3  Yz  point  Blankett[?] 
but  withall  -a  good  craft  for  sailing 
the   men   were  exceedingly   awkward. 

19th  From  this  to  the  29th  I  remaitied  at  Fort  Vancouver  eat- 
ing and  drinking  the  good  things  to  be  had  there  and  enjoj'ing 
much  the  gentlemanly  society  of  the  place. 

On  the  29th.  with  Abbot  and  Woodman  in  an  Indian  canoe  I 
started  for  a  journey  up  the  Wallamet  or  Multonomah  River  this 
river  which  is  highest  in  the  winter  was  so  at  this  time  but  is  not 
rapid  until  near  the  falls  the  subjoined  scetch  will  shew  its 
course  as  I  made  it  distance  by  the  river  by  my  estimate  27  >^ 
miles  to  the  falls  which  are  perpendicular  about  20  feet  past 
these  we  carried  our  canoe  about  yl  mile  and  launched  a]x)ve  the 
falls  the  water  though  generally  more  rapid  above  would  admit 
of  the  running  of  a  steam  boat.  In  this  river  at  this  time  there  is 
more  water  than  in  the  Missouri  and  not  of  a  more  difficult 
character  to  navigate  the  tide  flows  to  within  8  miles  of  the  falls 
below  the  fall  the  banks  of  the  river  are  not  suitable  for  cultiva- 
tion being  overflowed  as  far  as  the  bottom  extends  which  is  not 
far  and  beyond  these  the  country  rises  into  rocky  hills  unfit  for 
tillage  but  producing  very  large  timber  mostly  if  not  all  of  the 
pines  On  the  lx)ttoms  there  is  con sid[e]r able  oak  of  a  kind  not 
found  in  the  States  but  of  excellent  quality  for  ship  building  and  is 


affairs  in    ray 

I    hope    will 

ed  on   Sunday 

of   Eng.     our    excursion 

an  Indian  canoe  which 

We  found  it  ver>'   kittish 

and  easy  to  paddle  but 


L 


2^6] 


WVKTirS     riRvST     HXl'HDITION. 


m 


the  otily  kind  of  oak  found  in  the  country  of  the  Columbia  I 
noticed  but  two  streams  coming  into  the  river  below  the  falls 
the  river  to  within  6  mils  of  its  junction  with  the  Columbia  runs 
along  the  N.  E.  side  of  a  range  of  bills  or  as  thej'  would  be  called 
in  N.  IC.  mountains  at  the  falls  it  passes  through  this  range 
this  river  has  two  mouths  the  East  one  is  the  one  I  assended  the 
west  one  follows  the  range  of  hills  above  described  to  Iheir  falling 
on  the  Columbia  about  3  miles  Ijelovv  the  eastern  entrance  [of] 
the  mouth  of  this  river  is  in  Latt  45  deg.  36  min.  51  sec.  Long. 
122  deg.  48  min.  Above  the  falls  for  22  mils  by  estimate  the 
banks  of  the  river  are  high  enough  to  prevent  [overjflowing  but 
timbered  and  not  fertile  and  rough  and  the  country  apparently 
not  valuable  except  for  timber  which  is  here  mostly  of  the  pines 
except  a  small  quantity  of  cotton  wood  and  alder  the  latter  is 
here  a  tree  of  sometimes  a  foot  and  an  half  through  at  the  falls 
the  H.  B.  Co.  are  erecting  a  saw  mill  to  which  they  contemplate 
adding  a  grist  mill  the  scituation  for  mill  priviledges  is  beyond 
any  thing  I  have  ever  seen  22  mils  from  the  falls  are  3  or  4 
Canadians  settled  as  farmers  they  have  now  been  there  one  year 
have  Hogs,  Horses,  Cows,  have  built  barns,  Houses,  and  raised 
wheat,  barely,  potatoes,  turnips,  cab[b]ages,  corn,  punkins,  mellons 
The  country  here  becomes  opeji,  but  still  wood  enough  and  a 
much  greater  proportion  of  oak  prairies  of  from  i  to  30  miles  in 
extent  bound  by  a  skirting  of  timber  this  country  seems  a 
valley  between  the  mountains  to  the  East  and  West  of  about  50 
miles  wide  including  both  sides  of  the  river  and  is  very  level  of 
nearly  uniform  soil  extremely  rich  equal  to  the  best  of  the 
Missouri  lands.  Accounts  vary  much  as  to  its  southerly  extent 
I  have  seen  it  at  lej^st  75  mils  in  a  southwardly  direction  and 
from  all  I  can  learn  I  think  it  extends  with  but  little  inter[r]uption 
as  far  south  as  the  valUeJy  of  the  Buneventura  which  is  also  of 
the  same  description  of  country,  and  I  have  never  seen  country  of 
equal  beauty  except  the  Kanzas  country-  and  I  doubt  not  will  one 
day  sustain  a  large  population  10  mils  by  land  above  the  first 
settlement  and  30  by  the  river  is  another  bj-  a  Mr  Jervie  which 
was  a  very  fine  beginning  of  one  3'ears  standing  of  the  same 
character  and  product  as  the  one  below  in  all  about  9  settlers 
are  on  this  river  if  this  country  is  ever  colonised  this  is  the  point 
to  commence  the  river  is  navigable  for  canoes  to  its  ver^'  sources 
but  as  I  understand  very  circuitous  deer  abounds  in  this  district 
and  wolves  one  of  which  a  large  devil  I  shot  these  settlers  I 
found  exceeding  attentive  to  my  comforts  especiall)'  Mr  Jervai 
at  whose  house  I  slept  2  nights  I  was  absetit  from  the  fort  this 
time  10  days. 

To  the  4th  Jany.  the  weather   was   little   better  than  a  contin- 
ual rain  not  however  a  hard  rain  often  V>ut  a  drizzling  uncomfort- 


able air    during  December   there  fell  gy^  inches 
ometer    on  the  4th  the  wind   came   strong  to  N 


rain  by  a  pluvi- 
N.  E.  with  fair 


I  So 


JOT-RN'AL: 


[2M 


and  "ool  weather  Ther.  averaging  alx)ut  19  Deg.  this  continued 
to  the  8th  when  there  is  much  floating  ice  in  the  river  and  those 
here  think  that  with  two  days  more  of  this  weather  the  river  will 
close.  The  readiness  w[it]h  which  the  river  fre[e]i.es  must  arise 
from  the  water  getting  intensely  cold  in  the  upper  country-.  Du- 
ring this  month  Mr.  McKay  gave  our  room  a  treat  of  Buffaloe 
meat  salted  and  smoked  and  this  being  the  first  opportunity  of 
comparing  good  Buffaloe  meat  with  other  good  meat  was  highly 
acceptable.  I  think  it  equal  to  the  best  meat  ever  eaten,  l^p  to 
the  4th  there  was  no  frost  in  the  ground  and  ploughing  is  com- 
monly done  all  the  winter  during  the  latter  part  of  January  the 
River  rose  about  4  feet  which  must  have  arisen  from  the  rains  as 
there  could  be  no  melting  of  snow  on  the  Mountains  at  this  seas- 
on these  rains  must  have  I  think  extended  farther  back  than  is 
described  to  be  their  range  viz  the  falls  at  which  the  timbered 
country  terminates.  Carrots  are  here  finer  and  larger  than  I  have 
ever  before  seen  one  I  think  was  3  inches  through  and  of  fine 
flavor.  There  appears  much  sickness  amon[g]  the  people  here  es- 
pecially among  the  common  people  which  I  think  arises  from  low 
diet  and  moist  weather  for  as  far  as  I  can  observe  the  gentlemen 
who  live  well  are  not  much  subject  to  disorders,  the  main  dis- 
order is  an  intearmittent  fever  which  has  carried  oflfall  or  nearly  all 
the  Indians  who  live  even  worse  than  the  engages.  The  Lima  which 
sailed  a  month  since  had  not  to  the  ist  Jai.y.  got  out  of  the  river. 
I  have  been  Informed  by  Mr  Douglas  and  Mr.  Finlesson  that  ves- 
sells  have  laid  off  the  bar  7  weeks  before  they  could  enter. 

I  ith  Jany.  The  River  closed  with  ice  and  I  am  detained  here 
until  it  opens.  Last  winter  the  river  remained  frozen  5  weeks 
there  is  yet  no  snow.  Today  heard  by  Mr  Herraatinger  of  the 
death  of  Mr  Vande[r]burg  killed  by  the  Blackfeet  up  to  this  time 
the  weather  continued  clear  and  cold  for  this  country  the  Ther. 
varying  from  1 2  deg.  to  20  deg. 

On  the  1 8th  at  2  oclock  it  commenced  hailing  and  at  day  light 
the  hail  was  about  2  inches  on  the  ground  the  River  closed 
on  the  loth  and  so  remains  at  present  on  the  14th  I  walked 
across  the  Columbia  and  found  the  ice  about  6  inches  thick  where 
it  lay  smooth  but  it  was  much  turned  up  edge  wise  afternoon  of 
the  1 8th  commenced  Raining  and  on  the  19th  rains  still  the  hail 
was  at  one  time  from  i  "^  to  2  inches  deep  on  the  i8th. 

19th     after  raining  hard  all   night   there  is  no  snow  left     it  is 

Ther.  54  deg. 
Ther,  52  deg. 


River  not  vet  cleared 


warm  and  showery  to  day 

20th     Raining  stil[l]  and 
ice  stationary. 

2ist     22nd     war'U  and  Rainy, 

23rd     The  river    Broke   up     still  warm 
informed  by   Mr   Dav.    Douglas  that  a  Mr 
saw  in  Calafornia  was  intending  to  come  to  the  Colurrbia  for  Sai- 
mon     he   is  a    Brother-in-law   to  Capt.  Ebbets  and  is  from  New 


Ther.  51  deg.     I  am 
Woodard    whom   he 


23«1 


WYHTH'S     l-IRST     FvXPHDITION. 


rSi 


York  Mr.  Douglass  saw  him  in  Calafoniia  in  July  1832.  I  am 
informed  by  Doct  J.  McOlauclatid  that  he  has  seen  strawlierrys  ripe 
here  in  Dec.  and  in  blossom  in  Jany.  the  weather  warm  up  to 
the  28th  with  occasional  rains  there  is  now  little  ice  on  the  river 
on  the  bajiks  the  wreck  and  rubbish  of  the  breaking  up  of  the 
river.  The  H.  B.  Co.  are  now  making  a  fort  at  Nass.  to  counter- 
act the  Am.  vessells  on  the  coast. 

28th  Warm  still  and  fair  the  Co.  are  about  sejiding  a  party 
under  Mr.  Manson  to  make  a  fort  at  Milbank  Sound. 

30th  Today  a  party  sent  to  enquire  after  another  reported  to 
be  cut  off  bej'ond  the  I'mquoi  r  near  the  Clammat  River 
under  a  man  by  the  name  of  Michelle  returned  having  as- 
certained that  one  white  and  two  Iiids.  only  of  said  party  had 
l)een  killed  this  party  I  [am  informed]  was  utider  a  man  by  the  name 
of  Duportt  I  requested  to  accompany  him  but  the  Gov.  would  not 
consent  alledging  tlie[y]  would  conceive  that  I  came  to  avenge 
the  death  of  Mr.  Smiths  party  ivho  was  cut  off  by  the  Umquoi 
Indians,  all  which  I  interpreted  into  a  jealousy  of  my  motives 
this  party  brought  back  200  skins  which  they  had  traded  they 
did  not^go  beyond  the  Umquoi,  they  were  gone  2  months  lost  no 
men  and  but  2  horses  which  Died  of  fatigue. 

31st  to  the  3rd.  Feb.  we  had  warm  and  wet  weather  on  the 
3rd  at  10  ock.  we  started  for  Wallah  Walla  I  had  with  me  two 
men  and  am  in  company  with  Mr  Ermatinger  of  the  H.  B.  Co. 
who  has  in  charge  3  boats  with  120  pieces  of  goods  and  21  men. 
I  parted  with  feelings  of  sorrow  from  the  gentlemen  of  Fort  Van- 
couver their  unremitted  kindness  to  me  while  there  much  en- 
deared them  to  me  more  so  than  it  would  seem  possible  during 
so  short  a  time  Doct  McGlaucland  the  Gov.  of  the  place  is  a 
man  distinguished  as  much  for  his  kindness  and  humanity'  as  his 
good  sense  and  information  and  to  whom  I  am  so  much  indebted 
as  that  he  will  never  be  forgotten  by  me  this  day  we  came  to 
the  Prarie  Du  LiLs]     15  miles    raining  most  of  the  day. 

4th  Left  the  prairie  Du  LiCsJ  on  the  lower  end  of  it  this  piairie 
is  about  3  miles  long  and  through  it  the  River  Du  L,i[s]  a  small 
creek  enters  the  Columbia  we  made  but  2  miles  v.'hen  one  of  our 
boats  ran  foul  of  a  rock  and  was  stove  it  landed  its  cargo  without 
wetting  much  this  accident  detained  us  till  '4  before  1 2  ock 
when  we  started  and  kept^  on  till  2  ock  and  stopped  20  minutes  to 
dine  then  kept  on  till  %  past  5  ock  making  17  mils  this  day 
this  River  is  at  medium  water  the  rivers  banks  high  precipitous 
and|rocky  from  the  Lea  prairie  in  one  place  the  bank  on  the  N. 
side  rises  to  200  feet  perpendicular  I  saw  a  hawk  light  on  a  pro- 
jecting crag  about  half  way  up  which  gave  me  a  good  idea  of  the 
height  of  the  rock  from  this  rock  a  small  stream  casts  itself  into 
the  Com.  w[h]ether  a  permanent  one  or  not  canijotsaybut  should 
think  not  there  are  here  many  white  headed  Flagles  one  skvink 
we  saw  today     the  timber  a])pears  much  smaller  than    below     no 


IS2 


JorRNAI.: 


[2.^9 


rain  but  cloudy  this  day  wind  west  and  Ther.  about  40  deg. 
now  at  iS  ock  at  night  the  full  moon  is  looking  down  calmly  up- 
on usap[plarently  thinking  that  the  cares  of  us  humble  individuals 
concern  her  little. 

5th  We  left  camp  at  7  ock  and  made  4  miles  to  breakfast  and 
in  7  mils  more  the  foot  jf  the  Cascades  our  breakfast  was  made 
on  a  small  island  abreast  of  a  rock  rising  perpendicular  from  the 
l>ed  of  the  river  as  I  should  think  400  feet  high  Lewis  &  Clark 
call  it  I  think  700  feet  this  rock  is  nearly  surrounded  by  the 
waters  of  the  river 

The  Cascades  occasion  a  portage  of  100  rods  our  goods  were 
carried  across  this  day  the  river  is  here  compressed  into  a  very 
small  place  and  the  l)ed  is  full  of  rocks  I  should  think  the  fall 
to  be  about  8  feet  in  the  space  of  the  60  rods  There  are  here  two 
fishing  villages  both  now  deserted  as  the  people  here  say  from 
the  inmates  being  all  dead  of  the  fever  but  I  suspect  some  are 
dead  and  the  rest  and  much  larger  part  fright[enled  away  we 
made  the  portage  by  the  North  side  on  which  i«  one  of  the  above 
villages  it  is  near  the  river  on  a  little  clear  spot  with  a  little  lake 
iti  the  rear  here  the  Inds  were  once  hostile  and  great  caution  was 
once  used  in  passing  now  but  little  is  requisite  it  rained  all  the 
latter  part  of  the  day  and  night  and  morning  of  the  6th  finished 
the  portage  but  our  boats  were  so  bruised  that  the  rest  of  the  day 
was  taken  to  gum  tliem  took  a  look  about  me  the  rest  of  the 
day  found  that  the  tripe  de  roche  grew  on  the  rocks  here 
but  small  here  there  are  many  petrifactions  of  wood  in  a  bank  of 
gravell  some  of  which  are  perfectly  petrified  and  will  not  burn  in 
the  fire  but  others  appear  only  half  so  and  burn  and  cut  freely 
they  are  found  bedded  in  stone  composed  of  ru'nble  of  some 
former  world  the  gravel  is  cemetited  together  by  finer  gravell 
the  whole  l)eing  volcanic  and  water  worn. 

7th  At  I  Yi  mile  above  the  Cascade  is  a  small  river  from  the 
N.  and  4  ]^>  above  this  a  creek  from  the  X.  rained  all  the  6th 
and  rains  a  little  today  came  in  aU  27  miles  passed  many 
Indian  habitations  on  the  river  and  canoes  15  mils  above  the 
Cascades  is  a  Torrent  that  precipitates  itself  into  the  river  from 
about  60  feet  17  mils  from  same  on  same  side  viz  south  is  a 
creek  both  small  one  between  them  on  the  N.  side  tim- 
ber growing  gradually  thinner. 

8th  We  found  that  a  Capeau  and  2  bianketts  had  been  stolen 
by  some  Inds.  from  one  of  our  men  and  went  to  the  village 
ju.st  below  our  camp  to  recover  them  they  acknowledged  the 
theft  but  the  thieves  had  run  off  we  took  two  canoes  to  our  camp 
and  breakfasted  immediately  after  break fa.st  the  man  who  had 
lost  the  articles  took  an  ax  and  broke  the  worst  canoe  for  which 
he  was  reprimanded  by  Mr  Ermatinger  the  other  he  left  and  a 
little  after  we  left  I  saw  the  Ind.  come  and  take  it  we  made  29 
mils  to  the  Dalles  which  are  one  mile  or  therealx)uts  long  and  en- 


24«>1 


wvirrn's   imrst   i:\pi;i)rrio\. 


m 


camped  hnvitig  passed  two  of  the  boats  the  other  owiiif?  to 
some  mistake  had  she[e]red  out  and  forced  the  line  from  those  who 
were  towing  and  forced  one  Indian  into  the  stream  and  was 
drowned  he  was  on  a  hank  about  15  feet  high  he  swam  until 
he  got  into  a  whirl  pool  and  went  down.  Just  below  the  Dalles 
the  timber  ceases  there  are  here  many  Indians  Tilky  & 
Casineau  are  here  the  chiefs  and  very  clever  ones  all  this  day  we 
saw  Indians  on  the  banks  the  water  passes  even  now  at  a  furious 
rate  atid  at  high  water  it  is  impassible  and  boats  are  carried  as 
much  as  two  mils  and  all  the  goods  for  assisting  through  this 
place  a  little  tobacco  is  given  the  Inds.  we  gave  the  usual 
quantity  and  saw  a  personal  struggle  for  the  division  of  it. 

9th  Left  the  (ireat  I)all[e]s  a«)d  in  three  miles  came  to  the  lit- 
tle dalles  which  we  passed  by  towing  in  which  we  were  delayed 
by  reason  of  having  only  two  lines  one  having  been  lost  at  the 
time  the  Indian  was  drowned  in  three  miles  more  I  arrived  at 
the  Shutes  or  falls  of  the  Columbia  which  are  not  in  this  stage  of 
the  water  more  than  ten  feet  perpendicular  but  much  more  than 
that  including  the  rapids  above  and  below  in  the  immediate  vi- 
cinity these  falls  once  during  the  times  the  whites  have  been 
here  have  been  sailed  up  owing  as  I  suppose  to  the  Dalles  at  such 
times  affording  a  slow  ou«:let  to  the  accumulated  waters  and  their 
being  raised  by  this  circumstance  to  atx)ve  the  level  of  the  falls 
this  day  got  our  baggage  and  goods  o-  er  at  the  O.  .Dalles  I  tra- 
ded one  horse  which  I  sent  on  by  Abbot  at  the  Shutes  we  found 
about  150  to  200  Indians  who  were  very  trouble.sorae  [having]  to 
pay  for  very  trifling  services    however  they  stole  nothing. 

loth  Passed  over  and  gummed  the  boats  and  at  ^4  pa.st  12 
started  up  the  river  having  traded  another  horse  and  sent  it  on 
by  Woodman  one  mile  above  the  river  Aux  Rapide  comes  from 
the  south  the  size  of  the  stream  I  cannot  tell  as  I  only  saw  the 
mouth  of  it  here  on  the  N.  side  of  the  river  Abbot  came  to  me 
having  lost  the  horse  entrusted  to  him  I  took  Mr.  Woodmans 
and  gave  [left?]  Abbot  with  orders  to  wait  until  10  ock  tomorrow 
and  then  to  come  on  whether  he  got  the  horse  or  not  we  came 
today  9  miles  and  6  yesterday  here  we  have  to  give  a  piece  of 
tobacco  for  every  stick  of  wood  we  get  last  night  was  the  first 
frost  I  have  seen  since  the  river  broke  the  grass  is  somewhat 
green     this  part  of  the  river  affords  trout  in  small  quantity. 

I  ith  Started  at  an  early  hour  and  made  the  mouth  of  a  con- 
siderable stream  coming  from  the  S.  called  John  Days  River 
from  a  hunter  of  that  name  formerly  in  this  country-  distant 
from  our  last  camp  7  '/4  milles  we  campod  22)4  miles  from  this 
on  the  North  side  of  the  river  having  had  a  strong  and  fair  wind 
all  day  one  thing  I  observed  in  this  part  of  the  River  is  that  the 
savages  are  civil  and  as  much  as  one  in  ten  has  lost  an  eye  as  I 
suppose  from  the  effects  of  the  fine  sand  of  the  river  being  blown 
about  or  the  violent  wind  U>r  which  this  part  of  the  river  is  noted 


|S4 


[OrRNAI,: 


[341 


we  found  some  few  roots   and   little    ^nnxi;  with  tlie  natives     the 
ni^ht  was  windy  and  uncomfortabUe]  but  no  frost  but  a  little  rain 

1 2th  At  '<;  past  6  we  started  and  made  2  miles  to  breakfast 
on  the  N.  side  tair  wind  and  clear  one  boat  stove  and  must 
stop  to  repair  and  gum  found  two  small  logs  of  drift  wood  at 
to  ock.  recommenced  our  journey  with  a  fair  light  wind  and 
made  in  all  this  day  17  miles  during  the  day  had  the  satisfac- 
tion of  seeing  Abbot  come  up  but  without    finding  the  lost  horse. 

13th  Calminmng.  but  after  breakfast  had  a  fair  and  mid[d]ling 
strong  wind  at  i  ock  passed  the  upper  end  of  (irand  Island  an 
Indian  to  day  brought  me  a  pouch  and  horn  stolen  from  one  of 
my  men  going  down  but  the  balls  and  powder  used  up  which  I 
redeemed  for  a  little  tobacco  last  tjight  a  frost  not  severe 
made  this  day  25  miles  found  wood  enough  for  use  on  the  banks 
l»ut  it  is  a  custom  of  the  Indians  to  run  along  the  beach  and  take 
jH)ssession  of  the  wood  there  may  l)e  and  sell  it  [to]  you  for 
tobacco  which  appears  to  be  their  greatest  luxury  a  ([uid  is  pay 
for  almost  anything. 

14th  We  started  at  6  ock  and  in  one  mile  passed  the  River 
Ottillah  one  mile  alx)ve  which  rapids  commence  the[se]  we 
passed  one  mile  long  making  3  to  breakfast  and  started  at  !.> 
past  10  with  a  fair  and  strong  wind  and  reached  Wallah  Walla 
at  5  p.  m.  just  befor[e]  reaching  this  place  the  cut  rwks  close  into 
the  river  iti  such  a  manner  that  there  appears  but  a  small  per- 
pejulicular  sided  gap  to  look  through  past  these  and  at  W.  W. 
l)oth  bank[sj  fall  down  to  a  nearly  levell  p!ain  we  were  again 
hospitably  received  by  Mr.  P.  C.  Pambrun  we  reraaiiie<l  at  this 
post  until  the  19th.  of  Feb.  the  weather  mild  and  clear  but  high 
S.  W.  winds  \V.  W.  is  a  place  noted  for  high  winds  a  little 
frost  during  the  nights  only  gras[s]just  getting  green  My  horses 
in  tolerable  good  order  and  all  found  eat  horse  meat  all  the  time 
at  this  post  On  Sunday  took  a  ride  up  the  river  W.  W.  found  its 
bottoms  good  but  not  extensive  and  no  wood  the  corn  for  this 
post  150  bushells  last  year  was  raised  at  least  3  miles  from  the  fort 
none  was  stolen  by  the  Indians  a  good  test  of  their  honesty  as 
they  are  all  most  always  starving.  This  place  is  kept  by  alwut 
5  men  I nds.  are  freely  admitted  itiside  of  it  about  1200  skins 
traded  here  it  is  kept  up  mostly  tor  trading  horses  and  the 
saf[e]ty  of  the  communication  the  course  of  the  Wallali  [Wallah] 
river  is  l\.  by  N.  near  the  fort  when  I  saw  it. 

19th  Just  as  we  were  leaving  the  fort  an 
the  horse  which  Ablx)t  lost  at  the  Dalles  and 
leaviii><  the  fort  an  Indian  sent  by  Mr.  l\ 
which  had  strayed  from  Abbot  at  this  place 
miles  to  a  branch  of  the  Wallah  [Wallah]  river  here  coming  from  the 
X.  the  space  nearly  a  plain  and  barren  and  sandy  but  good  grass 
this  branch  appears  to  be  about  half  the  Wallah  [Wallah]  river 
encamped  a  little  after  sundown  and  for  12  3'ards  blue  clths.  i  Blkt. 


Indian   brought    in 
a    short    time   after, 
brought   one    other 
W2  made  ihisday  17 


a4a] 


WYKTIT8     FIRST     KXPKDITION. 


I«S 


2  >4  pt  50  balls  &  powder   2  knives    i   lb.  Tobacco  bunch   l>cads, 
ID  fish  Hooks  traded  a  good  horse     this  apiiears  a  fair  price  here. 

20th  We  made  a  late  start  and  after  travelling  9  hours  without 
water  arrived  at  the  Snake  river  here  running  W.  our  course 
was  this  day  N.  by  K.  22  Yt  miles  over  a  country  which  would 
be  considered  light  sandy  land  with  little  sage  grass  gixxl  and  in 
tufts  very  level  except  some  trifling  roundly  swelling  hills  these 
makeone  think  of  gently  swelling  breasts  of  the  ladies.  Day  warm 
aiul  clear  We  in  the  first  of  the  day  followed  the  branch  ot  the 
W.  W.  mentioned  yesterday  say  four  miles  on  which  I  saw 
blackbirds  which  Mr.  Pambrun  says  stay  at  W.  W.  all  winter. 

21st  No  frost  in  morning.  Crossed  the  river  to  the  mouth  of 
a  creek  coming  into  the  river  from  the  N.for  10  miles  which  was  the 
length  of  our  march  this  day  this  creek  is  through  cut  rocks  of 
moderate  height  for  this  country.  We  followed  the  stream  on 
the  east  Imnk.  These  banks  were  al)out  300  feet  high 
to  the  levell  of  the  plain  if  that  can  be  called  a  plain 
where  the  hills  rise  to  an  almost  equal  height  and  the 
gullies  are  abrupt  and  narrow.  The  soil  was  what 
would  be  called  in  N.  E,  a  poor  sandy  soil  producing  good  grass 
but  still  no  wood  Traded  two  horses  this  day  at  the  usual  rates 
The  people  who  are  most  used  to  this  country  are  so  little  afraid 
of  the  Indians  that  they  either  travel  without  guns  or  with  them 
unloade<I. 

22nd  A  pretty  hard  frost  in  the  morning  followed  the  river 
one  mile  on  the  North  side  then  crossed  it  and  made  North  3  miles 
and  crossed  a  branch  of  it  coming  from  the  N.  W.  Our  course 
this  day  N.  by  H.  and  encamped  at  a  little  run  of  water  runnings. 
E.  This  is  inconsiderable  Saw  about  20  antelojie  this  day  in 
one  herd  at  our  camp  this  nigh[t]  observed  about  2  inches  of  frost 
in  the  ground  this  days  ride  over  very  rocky  countr>'  the  val- 
leys of  which  are  very  good  but  small  otherwise  more  sandy  than 
common    grass  good      Made  22  yd  miles 

23d  N.  17  miles  over  a  rough  and  Rocky  countrj' with  a  few 
small  bottoms  which  are  good  land  at  9  miles  from  last  camp 
passed  some  of  the  best  specimens  of  Basaltic  colum[nls  which  I 
have  seen  They  were  5  sided  and  about  50  feet  high  some 
standing  independent  others  tumbled  down  to  the  foot  of  the  wall 
like  demolished  Towers  This  days  march  [passed]  many  small 
lakes  whether  formed  by  the  snow  or  not  I  can  not  say  but  I 
think  some  of  them  are  permanent  none  larger  than  a  few  acres 
Camped  at  a  stream  coming  from  the  N.  and  were  visited  by  three 
Indians  who  report  the  road  to  Colville  impassable  for  snow  a 
hard  frost  last  night  and  frost  in  the  ground  beside  the  lakes 
mostly  frozen  over  but  not  thick  these  made  me  think  of  the  old 
buisness  of  my  life. 

24th  20  miles  N.  through  timber  in  the  first  of  which  we  en- 
camped last  night     the  stream  wlllch  we  camped   on   here   forks 


i86 


JOURNAL: 


[243 


no  game  except  two  small  prairie  hens  passed  many  little  lakes 
one  of  which  is  as  large  Fresh  Pond  and  one  nearly  so  the  rest 
smaller  Patches  of  snow  and  one  third  of  the  trees  prostrated 
last  year  by  southerly  gale  their  trunks  much  obstructed  the 
path  before  us  on  the  right  are  snow  covered  and  moderately 
high  Mts.  found  good  wood  at  our  camp  by  the  light  of  which  I 
now  write  the  scene  reminds  me  of  my  Ice  men  at  work  by 
torch  light  not  frost  enough  in  the  ground  to  prevent  driving 
tent  stakes  the  little  [rain]  and  snow  made  stream.^  [which  are] 
runCning]  Southerly 

25th  in  a  N.  direction  15  miles  to  Spokan  River  a  stream 
now  about  half  as  large  as  the  Snake  River  it  is  now  high  from 
the  melting  of  the  snow  its  sources  are  not  distant  and  in  a  range 
of  Mts.  in  sight  this  Range  runs  about  N.  W.  which  is  here  the 
general  course  of  the  stream  but  how  far  I  cannot  say  as  it  is 
visible  but  a  short  distance  at  this  place  are  the  remains  of  the 
olu  Spokan  House  one  Bastion  of  which  only  is  now  standing 
which  is  left  by  the  Indians  from  respect  to  the  dead  one  clerk 
of  the  Co.  being  buried  in  it  the  banks  of  this  river  are  here  rocky 
and  precipitous  I  observed  among  the  rocks  of  its  bed  Granite 
Green  Stone  Quartz  sandstone  Lava  or  Basalt  the  country 
on  approaching  this  river  from  the  South  resembles  the  pine  plains 
of  N.  Hampshire  near  Concord  we  passed  the  divide  between 
the  waters  of  this  i:nd  the  last  river  about  5  mils  from  our  last 
nights  Camp  striking  then  after  passing  the  isolated  wood  in 
which  we  had  camped  and  a  large  plain  devoid  of  wood  a  deep 
valley  running  N.       Crossed   the  most   of  our  baggage   today 

26th  Arrived[?]  After  perusing  the  enclosed  loose  papers  I 
proceed* 

27th  Marchf  due  N.  E.  by  N  24  miles  we  made  this  day 
This  line  cuts  the  Spokan  river  This  point  we  turned  but  I 
call  the  course  direct  for  convenience  this  course  is  through  a 
tolerable  fertile  prairie  the  grass  good  and  flowers  plenty  on 
the  W.  side  are  low  range  of  rocky  hills  which  are  granite  and  a 
better  development  of  the  broken  rock  named  yesterday  I 
find  it  to  be  volcanic  by  its  being  [a  word  omitted] 
blending  with  porous  rock  on  our  left  and  about  half 
way    of    the    days    march      passed     a    mile    distant   a  little 


*The  loose  papers  referred  to  were  probably  pinned  to  the  preceding 
leaf  of  the  journal,  but  have  been  lost.  They  no  doubt  were  the  journal 
notes  made  by  Mr.  Wyeth  while  taking  a  trip  from  the  "Spokan  House" 
to  Fort  Colville  and  back. 

That  Mr.  Wyeth  took  such  a  trip  is  evident  from  the  fact  that  one  of  the 
letters  bearing  the  date  of  March  12th  1833  was  written  from  Fort  Colville. 
The  journal  of  March  28th  refers  to  such  a  trip  and  the  return  to  the  "Spo- 
kan house". 

tThe  word  "March"  is  to  be  read  as  part  of  the  date.  The  trip  referred 
to  above  seems  to  have  consumed  exactly  a  calendar  month. 


244] 


WYRTH'vS    FIRST    EXPEDITION. 


187 


lake  Yi  mile  across  to  the  E.  by  N.  of  this  is  a  lake  3 
miles  across  from  which  the  Spokan  flows  neither  of  these  I 
have  seen  but  take  this  from  hearsay  arrived  at  our  camp  and 
all  well  and  in  better  order  I  have  forgot  to  mention  that  the 
stream  that  comes  into  the  Spokane  near  the  House  brings  down 
peb[b]les  of  volcanic  rock  also  that  the  streams  near  our  present 
camp  come  from  the  hills  enter  the  prairie  of  the  Spokan  River 
and  disappear  in  the  ground. 

28  Made  18  miles  N.  through  a  level  and  wooded  country  and 
camped  with  only  snow  water  and  poor  grass  the  rocks  seen  to 
day  are  holders  of  granite  and  observed  that  the  compass  in  one 
place  would  not  Traverse  this  happened  while  going  to  Colville 
from  Spokan  and  coming  from  there  hack  also  observed  Today 
and  yesterday  the  effects  of  some  former  gale  in  prostrated  trees 
direction  here  S.  W. 

29  horses  missing  in  mng.  and  not  found  till  noon  went 
N.  9  miles  and  struck  Flat  Head  River  compass  again  refused  to 
traverse  through  deep  snow  today  and  yesterday  and  thick 
young  trees  and  fallen  timber  observed  here  the  white  pine  and 
Hemlock  snow  and  rain  all  yesterday  found  our  people  at  the 
river  with  the  boats. 

30th  Remained  at  the  same  place  crossed  the  river  I  here 
saw  an  Indian  who  was  entirely  blind  he  seemed  to  be  taken 
good  care  of  by  his  relatives  made  him  a  small  present  for 
which  he  thanked  me  parted  company  with  Mr  Ermatinger  he 
to  go  on  with  the  goods  by  water  myself  with  horses  by  land 
last   night   the  coldest  for  some  time     today  warm  and  pleasant 

31st  Moved  early  N.  7  miles  passing  a  point  and  two  little 
streams  Excessively  bad  going  in  crossing  the  point  from  snow 
and  brush  E.  two  mils  along  the  river  N.  N.  E.  5  miles  to 
the  Lake  then  a  line  to  our  camp  cutting  the  lake  5  mils  more 
N.  N.  E.  This  lake  is  abou*^  three  miles  broad  and  indeed  the 
river  so  far  resembles  a  long  lake  little  or  no  current  and  ^  miles 
wide  plenty  of  pa[r]t  ridges,ge[e]se,and  Duck  and  some  deer  meat  of 
the  Indians  all  clay  country  mountainous  one  Horse  gave  out 
and  left  him  a  good  lo[d3ge  made  of  Branches  of  Pine  had 
almost  made  me  forget  that  it  had  snowed  and  rained  all  day 
ourselves  and  goods  were  wet  through  we  had  no  human  com- 
fort except  meat  enough  to  eat  and  good. 

ist  April  E.  2,  N  3,  E  by  S.  3,  and  found  that  from  this  spot 
the  place  where  I  entered  on  the  lake  [it?]  bore  S.  W.  N.  by  E.  2, 
E.  by  S.  5  N.  3  and  made  the  traverse  of  a  large  peninsularat  one 
mil[e]  E.  by  N.  struck  the  head  of  a  creek  which  after  .  3  miles 
more  led  us  back  to  the  Lake  at  the  entrance  into  it  of  the  River 
Fete  Plate.  This  Lake  is  a  large  and  fine  sheet  of  water  it  appears 
of  a  good  depth  There  looks  as  if  a  large  river  entered  on  the 
S.  side  at  the  east  end  it  is  widest  and  there  are  two  Islands  it 
is  surrounded  by  lofty  and  now  snow^'  Mts.  but  their  summits  are 


' 


i88 


JOURNAL: 


[245 


■    f 


timbered  yesterda^^  saw  nothingbut  Granite  today  saw  Slate  and 
Sandstone  not  the  least  volcanic  appearance  in  this  part  of  the 
Country. 

2nd  Made  E.  S.  E.  6  mils  through  a  difficult  swamp  over  a 
hill  and  to  the  main  river  again  during  which  time  we  passed 
two  small  streams  this  swamp  had  the  largest  cedars  apparently 
the  same  as  those  of  the  N.  E.  that  I  have  ever  seen  I  measured 
one  at  my  height  from  the  ground  of  31  feet  circumferance  and  I 
presume  some  were  larger  no  rocks  to  day  but  sandstone  and 
slate    camped  on  ace.  of  my  horses   having   had   no  feed  lately 

the  slate  is  tortuitous  and  I  think  mica  slate  here  my  Indian 
brought  me  in  some  onions  and  two  kinds  of  trout  some  of  the 
trout  I  have  bought  of  the  Indians  as  large  as  10  lbs.  they 
are  plenty  and  taken  with  the  hook  there  are  plenty  of  ducks 
and  ge[ejse  the  Ducks  are  the  [same]  as  the  tame  ducks  of 
N.  E. 

3d  ID  mils  almost  due  E.  cutting  a  mountain  and  through 
almost  impenetrable  wo[o]d  and  deep  snow  much  trouble  and  delay 
to  keep  the  trail  from  the  mountain  4  mils  from  last  nights 
camp  saw  our  last  camp  on  this  Lake  which  bore  W.  by  N.  to 
night  we  camped  without  grass  but  could  not  go  further 
some  of  the  horses  strayed  in  the  trail  behind 

4th  Started  our  Indian  early  to  find  the  strayed  horses  and 
started  camp  ahead  9  mils  E.  following  the  river  the  whole  way 
altho  the  trail  cuts  off  the  point  and  encamped  where  the  trail 
again  strikes  the  river  at  this  place  there  is  a  considerable  [creek] 
coming  from  theE.  by  N.  into  the  river  here  for  the  first  time 
since  reaching  Walla  Walla  I  saw  fresh  Beaver  sign  the 
Indian  has  not  yet  come  up  with  the  horses  and  little  feed 
for  those  we  have  with  us  to  day  saw  a  small  sized  Bear  but 
he  was  off  too  soon  for  a  shot 

5th  1 2  mils  E.  S.  E.  through  deep  snow  and  thick  wood 
most  of  the  way  sometimes  miry  sometimes  slippery  with  ice  and 
always  obstructed  by  the  great  quantity  of  fallen  wood  Last 
night  late  the  Indian  brought  up  all  the  lost  horses 

6th  9  mils  E.  S.  E.  trail  better  slate  rock  only  Camped 
on  the  river  last  night  in  the  mountains.  Yesterday  two  horses 
gave  out  left  a  man  to  keep  them  and  bring  them  up  if  possible 
to  day  one  gave  out  which  I  will  leave  at  this  camp  for  same 
man 

7th  Arrived  at  the  Flathead  post  kept  by  Mr.  Rivi  and  one 
man  after  a  ride  of  17  mils  E.  S.  E.  through  thick  wood  not 
very  good  trail  and  a  snow  storm  which  loaded  the  pines  in  such 
a  manner  as  to  bend  them  down  to  the  ground  frequently  load- 
ing me  with  the  snow  as  passing  I  disturbed  the  branches  trees 
loaded  down  in  this  way  and  frozen  so  as  to  be  firm  constitute  much 
of  the  difficulty  of  the  route  from  Flathead  or  Ponderay  Lake  to 
this  place     want  of  grass  at  this  time  of  the  year  the  residue  with 


246] 


WYETH'S    FIRST    EXPEDITION. 


189 


some  mire  rock  mica  slate  this  place  is  scitiiated  on  a  fine  prairie 
2  mils  long  i  wide  and  seems  pleasant  aftet  coming  through 
thick  woods  and  mountains  counting  my  horses  found  32  of 
47  with  which  I  started  but  think  I  shall  recover  all  but  one 
left  on  the  I^ake  having  sent  men  and  Indians  in  search  of  tliem 
Mr  E.  came  in  the  boats  in  5  days  I  have  now  news  by  four 
Indians  who  came  in  on  the  6th  on  foot  the  Nez  Perces  have  lost 
all  but  4  horses  of  their  band  of  about  500  stolen  by  the  Blackfeet 
The  Flatheads  expected  in  about  15  days  on  the  nth  start- 
ed out  to  see  if  there  were  many  beaver  in  the  country  with 
intention  of  staying  1 2  days  but  was  recalled  by  the  arrival  of  the 
buffaloe  Indians  found  few  beaver  and  the  country  can  only  be 
trapped  on  foot  plenty  of  pa[r]tridges  to  be  found  in  this  country 
arrived  again  at  the  post  on  tho  17  th  of  April  my  route  was 
back  on  the  Flathead  River. 

iSth  to  20th  .  remained  at  the  post  having  now  found  all  my 
horses  started  camp  2  miles  East  up  the  river  and  to  the  upper 
end  of  the  prairie  on  which  the  house  is  built  at  this  place  is  a 
large  creek  coming  from  the  N. 

2ith  rained  hard  last  night  and  from  the  17th  to  this  day  have 
had  one  or  more  slight  showers  each  day  the  plain  is  now  good 
grass  we  are  much  an[n]oyed  by  the  dogs  of  the  Indian  village 
which  are  numerous  they  eat  all  our  cords  and  fur  flesh  they 
can  get  at  in  the  night  this  is  always  a  great  trouble  while  travel- 
ling with  Indians  until  you  get  to  Buffaloe  where  they  find  bet- 
ter food  for  jthree  nights  no  frost  This  valley  is  the  most 
romantic  place  imaginable  a  level  plain  of  two  miles  long  by 
I  wide  on  the  N  a  range  of  rocky  and  snow  clad  Mts.  on 
the  S.  the  Flathead  river  a  rapid  current  and  plenty  ot  good  fish- 
ing running  at  the  immediate  base  of  another  lofty  Snowy  and 
Rocky  range  of  Mts.  Above  and  below  the  vall[e]y  the  mountains 
of  each  range  close  upon  the  river  so  as  apparently  to  afford  no 
outlet  either  way  about  200  horses  feeding  on  the  green  plain  and 
perhaps  15  Indian  L,odges  and  numerous  barking  dogs  with  now 
and  then  a  half  breed  on  horseback  galloping  gracefully  with 
plenty  of  gingling  bells  attached  to  all  parts  of  himself  and  horse 

it  is  reallj'  a  scene  for  a  poet  nought  but  man  is  waiting  to  com- 
plete it     • 

22nd  Moved  8  rails  E.  N.  E.  along  the  river  at  6  miles 
passed  a  very  bad  rock  called  le  Roche  Mauvais  the  mountains 
as  yet  closely  follow  the  river  on  both  sides  but  seem  declining  in 
height  as  we  stopped  early  we  spent  the  rest  of  the  day  in  pre- 
paring to  prevent  the  blaLc]k  Foot  from  stealing  our  horses  they 
have  have  never  but  once  passed  the  bad  rock  and  then  the  Flat- 
heads  gave  them  such  a  beating  as  keeps  [them]  since  in  better 
order    the[y]  infest  much  the  country  we  are  now  about  entering 


100 


JOURNAl,: 


iH7 


23d  Moved  8  mils  E.  N.  E.  to  Horse  plain  thence  N.  E. 
5  mils  cutting  a  hill  and  leaving  the  River  which  we  had  her[e]- 
tofore  followed  decending  the  Mts  E.  N.  E.  6  mils  to  a  large 
open  vall[e]y  in  the  hills  with  little  timber  and  much  grass  op- 
posite to  our  Camp  is  a  mountain  where  200  Flatheads  Conteray;^, 
Fonderays  and  other  Inds.  were  killed  by  the  Blackfoot  Inds. 
During  the  first  part  of  the  last  division  of  the  days  march  passed 
a  small  lake  with  many  waterfowl  and  one  sand  hill  crane.  We 
are  now  fairly  in  the  dangerous  Country  through  Horse  plain 
and  into  the  R  Flathead  is  a  small  brook  to  day  2  Indians  or- 
r[i]ved  from  the  main  Flathead  Camp  at  Porte  D'enfer  with  news 
that  the  Blackfoot  have  made  2  h[a]uls  of  horses  from  them  the 
Flathead  Camp  consists  of  men  of  various  tribes 

24  mooved  E.  by  S.  down  the  valley  to  Flathead  river  then 
4  miles  E.  following  the  river  then  Forded  it  and  made  3  mils  E. 
by  N.  and  encamped  on  it  at  a  place  where  last  year  a  man  by 
the  name  of  La  Couse  was  [killed]  by  the  Blackfoot  Inds.  the 
river  is  not  now  high  when  so  it  is  not  fordable  and  is  here 
a  good  sized  stream  the  salts  here  whiten  in  the  ground  and  the 
animals  are  almost  crazy  after  it  which  makes  them  bad   to  drive 

the  morning  was  sult[r]y  and  I  travelled  without  my  coat  but  in 
the  afternoon  we  had  a  fine  [s]hower  with  some  thunder  of  good 
quality  the  vallLe]y  we  left  today  abounds  with  the  finest 
Kamas  I  have  yet  seen  as  provisions  are  scarce  in  camp  the 
women  dug  much  of  it 

25th  Mooved  Camp  up  the  main  river  12  mils  E  )4  N.  then  up 
large  but  fordable  branch  3  mils  E.  by  S»  trail  fine  grass  go^ 
weather  beautiful  no  frost  for  three  nights  the  Climate  a\ 
pears  much  as  at  Baltimore  at  this  season 

26th  made  E.  along  the  creek  last  named  5  mixes  then  crosses 
and  followed  it  4  mils  S.  E.  then  recrossed  it  and  followed  it  E. 
S.  E.  3  mils  crossing  a  small  branch  then  2  mils  recrossing 
the  main  creek  again  then  followed  i  mile  E  S.  E.  and  recross- 
ed it  and  followed  a  small  branch  of  it  S.  E.  i  mile  crossed  the 
branch  and  followed  it  2  mils  S.  E.  to  Camp  clear  except  i 
shower  but  only  comfortably  warm    Count[r]y  hilly  but  open 

E.  lay  a  heavy  pile  of  snowy  Mts.  5  mils  distant  ap[p]arently 
running  N.  &  S.  the  rocks  for  a  few  days  have  been  Sandstone 
mica  slate  this  day  saw  a  white  bear  which  we  surrounded  to 
kill  but  he  broke  through  and  escaped  earth  in  some  places 
whitened  with  salt  which  makes  the  horses  bad  to  drive  horses 
getting  fat  grass  good  as  also  the  bottom  lands  which  are  toler- 
ably extensive 

27th  Remained  at  same  camp  snowed  a  little  this  day  the 
Inds  went  hunting  and  got  one  Deer 

28th  Abbot  brought  in  one  Beaver  started  Camp  2  mils  S.  E.  2 
S.S.E.2  S.4  S.by  W.  thus  far  through  woods  and  a  defile  crossing  the 
vide  between  the  creek  which  we  were  on  and  another  going  to 


[»47 


248] 


WYRTH'vS     FIRST    EXPEDITION. 


191 


the 


that  branch  of  the  Flathead  river  to  [which]  we  came  this  day. 
then  into  open  plains  snowy  mts  on  each  side  3  mils  S.  S.  K. 
then  5  mils  S  E  by  E  crossing  two  slews  of  the  Flathead  river 
and  Camped  on  a  third  and  larger  one  which  we  shall  be  obliged 
to  raft  over  I  judge  it  twice  as  large  as  the  one  we  crossed 
some  days  since  the  river  here  runs  S.  W.  a  little  snow  today 
quarrelled  and  parted  with  my  man  Woodman  he  appeared  to  think 
that  as  I  had  but  two  he  might  take  libertys  under  such  circum- 
stances I  will  never  yield  an  inch  I  paid  him  half  as  I  conceive 
he  had  gone  half  the  route  with  me  here  we  met  some  Inds  from 
the  great  Camp  which  they  say   is  a  moderate  Camp  distant 

29th  Forgot  to  mention  in  proper  place  that  I  saw  Plumb 
trees  at  the  place  we  left  W.  branch  of  the  Flathead 
river  these  are  said  to  be  good  about  [one]  inch  through  ripe 
in  Sept.  and  found  nowhere  else  but  at  this  place  I  tried  hard  to 
get  some  stones  but  could  not  Moved  this  day  S.  S.  W.  we 
crossed  by  fording  contrary  to  expectation  by  loading  high 
and  taking  high  horses  at  8  miles  struck  another  branch  of 
same  river  as  large  as  those  already  passed  at  4  miles  further  a 
creek  from  opposite  side  ford  tolerably  good  at  20  miles 
came  to  main  Camp  of  no  Lodges  Containing  upward  of  1000 
souls  ,.'ith  all  of  which  I  had  to  shake  hands  the  Custom  in 
meeting  these  indians  is  for  the  Coming  party  to  fire  their  arms 
then  the  other  does  the  same  then  dismount  and  form  single  file 
both  sides  and  passing  each  other  shake  hands  with  men  women  and 
children  a  tedious  job  buifaloe  have  come  here  and  even  further 
but  thej'  are  killed  at  once  and  do  not  get  wonted  herfe]  the 
racine  amani  or  Spetulum  is  found  this  Camp  is  on  the  river 
good  grass  river  direct  S.  S.  W.  six  nights  since  the  Blackfoot 
stole  horses  from  this  Camp  here  I  found  thre[e] 
Canadians  one  of  whom  was  one  who  came  to  us  the  night  be- 
fore we  were  fired  on  on  the  heads  of  the  Spanish  River  this 
days  march  between  two  parralled  ranges  of  Mts  now  Snowy  but 
I  think  not  always  so  there  is  much  kamas  in  this  region  we 
find  little  meat  in  the  Indian  Camp  and  are  therefore  much  short- 
[e]ned  for  food 

30th  went  out  to  collect  some  flowers  for  friend  Nuttall  after- 
wards to  see  the  Camp  find  1 20  lodges  of  us  today  some  having 
arrived  they  are  collecting  to  go  to  the  Buifaloe  in  force  to  meet 
the  Blackfeet  looked  at  their  games  one  is  played  by  two  men 
at  a  time  a  level  place  is  made  on  the  ground  about  15  feet  long 
by  3  feet  wide  with  a  small  log  of  wood  at  each  end  to  stop  a 
small  iron  ring  which  one  of  them  rools  from  one  end  of  the 
all[e]y  to  the  other  both  following  it  each  having  an  arrow 
which  they  endeavor  to  throw  after  and  under  it  so  that  when 
stopped  it  will  rest  on  one  of  them  the  one  on  whose  arrow  it  is 
wins  at  least  this  is  all  I  understand  of  the  game  the  game  is 
kept  by  a  third  by  means  of  placing  sticks  on  one  side  or  the 


192 


JOURNAL: 


[a49 


other  another  feat  much  in  practice  from  the  smallest  to  the 
largest  in  Camp  is  two  with  some  arrows  throw  them  so  as  to 
go  as  near  the  first  thrown  as  possible  advancing  continually  untill 
all  are  expended  then  throwing  them  back  again  in  same  manner 
another  game  is  two  or  more  opposite  the  one  side  having  some 
small  article  in  their  hand  keep  changing  it  from  one  hand  to 
the  other  as  swift  as  possible  accompanied  by  a  tune  and  motion 
of  body  and  limbs  except  feet  (for  they  sit  all  the  time)  the  get 
is  for  the  other  party  to  designate  the  hand  in  which  it  rema[ijns 
at  the  last  this  is  the  most  practised  game  and  requires  much 
dexterity  on  both  sides  it  is  kept  with  sticks  as  the  first  every 
morning  some  important  Indian  addresses  either  heaven  or  his 
countrymen  or  both  I  believe  exhorting  the  one  to  good  conduct 
to  each  other  and  to  the  strangers  among  them  and  the  other  to 
bestow  its  blessings  he  finishes  with  "I  am  done["]  the  whole 
set  up  an  exclamation  in  concord  during  the  whole  time 
Sunday  there  is  more  parade  of  prayer  as  above  nothing  is  done  Sun- 
day in  the  way  of  trade  with  these  Indians  nor  in  playing  games 
and  they  seldom  fish  or  kill  game  or  raise  camp  while  prayers  are  be- 
ing said  on  week  days  everyone  ceases  whatever  vocation  he  is  about 
if  on  horseback  he  dismounts  and  holds  his  horse  on  the  spot  un- 
til all  is  done  Theft  is  a  thing  almost  unknown  among  them  and 
is  punished  by  fiogging  as  I  am  told  but  have  never  known  an  in- 
stance of  theft  among  them  the  least  thing  even  to  a  bead  or 
pin  is  brought  you  if  found  and  things  that  we  throw  away  this 
is  sometimes  troublesome  I  have  never  seen  an  Indian  get  in  an- 
ger with  each  other  or  strangers.  I  think  you  would  find  among 
20  whites  as  many  scoundrels  as  among  1000  of  these  Indians  they 
have  a  mild  playful  laughing  disposition  and  their  qualities  are 
strongly  portrayed  in  their  countenances.  They  are  polite  and  unob- 
trusive and  however  poor  never  beg  except  as  pay  for  services  and  in 
this  way  they  are  moderate  and  faithful  but  not  industrious,  they 
a  re  very  brave  and  fight  the  blackfeet  who  continually  steal  their 
horses  and  kill  their  straglers  with  great  success  beating  hollow 
equal  numbers  They  wear  as  little  clothing  as  the  weather  will 
permit  sometimes  nothing  on  excep[t]  a  little  thing  to  cover  the 
privates  and  sometimes  but  rare  this  is  ommitted  at  play  but  not 
when  there  are  women  and  allways  at  a  race  the  women  are  close- 
ly covered  and  chaste  never  cohabiting  promisc[u]ously  with  the 
men  the  pox  is  not  much  and  perhaps  never  known  among  them 
it  dies  here  of  itself  when  brought  from  the  coast  where  it  is  rife 
the  young  women  are  good  looking  and  with  dress  and  cleanliness 
would  be  lovely  today  about  100  of  them  with  their  root  diggers 
in  their  hands  in  single  file  went  out  to  get  roots  they  staid  about 
two  hours  and  returned  in  the  same  order  each  time  passing  the 
chiefs  lodge  it  was  evidently  a  ceremony  but  the  import  I  could 
not  learn  in  a  lodge  or  other  place  when  one  speaks  the  rest  pay 
strict  attention     When  he  is  done   another  assents  by  "yes"  or 


25o] 


WYETH'S    FIRST    EXPEDITION. 


IM 


dissents  by  "no"  and  then  states  his  reasons  which  are  heard  as 
attentively  it  is  a  practice  when  a  woman  has  her  courses  to  make 
a  little  lodge  outside  her  husbands  lodge  and  there  remain  until 
they  are  finished.  The  more  peaceable  dispositions  of  the  Indians 
than  the  whites  is  plainly  seen  in  the  children  I  have  never 
heard  an  angry  word  among  them  nor  any  quarrelling  altho  there 
are  here  at  least  500  of  them  together  and  at  play  the  whole  time 
at  foot  ball  bandy  and  the  like  sports  which  give  occasion  to  so 
many  quarrells  among  white  children 

May  I  St.  Same  camp  the  day  reminds  me  of  home  and  its 
customs  it  is  a  fine  and  almost  summer  day  altho  the  nights 
have  been  frosty  of  late  but  the  days  are  warm  This  morning 
the  squaws  left  camp  with  their  root  diggers  singing  in  good 
accord  the  tunes  of  their  country  Yesterdtay]  Mr.  Ermatinger 
traded  29  beavers  I  find  an  Indian  Camp  a  place  of  much 
novelty  the  Indians  appear  to  enjoy  their  amusements  with 
more  zest  than  the  whites  altho  they  are  simple  they  are  great 
gamblers  in  proportion  to  their  means   bolder  than   the   whites 

2nd  Moved  Camp  2  miles  S.  E.  by  E.  4  miles  S  by  E.  over  a 
hilly  but  open  country  and  diverging  a  little  from  the  main  river 
to  the  Eastward  and  Camped  on  a  small  river  going  to  the  same 
river  the  two  parallel  ranges  of  Mts.  still  continue  on  either  side 
of  the  river  It  rained  a  little  of  the  last  night  and  some  this  morning 
the  day  is  cloudy  and  moderately  warm  The  absence  of  quarrells 
in  an  Indian  Camp  more  and  more  surprises  me  when  I  come  and 
see  the  various  occasions  which  would  give  rise  to  them  among 
the  whites  the  crowding  together  of  from  1 2  to  1 800  horses 
which  have  to  be  driven  into  Camp  at  night  to  stake  in  mng.  to 
load  the  starting  of  horses  and  turning  of  loads  the  seizing  of 
fuel  when  scarce,  often  the  case,  the  plays  of  men  and  Boys  &c. 
At  the  Camp  yesterday  saw  the  bones  of  a  buffalo  bull  not  old 
being  the  first  sign  of  buffaloe  yet  seen. 

3d.     Same  Camp. 

4th  Same  Camp  To  day  heard  a  sound  like  a  heavy'  piece  of 
ordonance  and  I  suppose  arising  from  the  fall  of  some  mighty 
fragment  of  rock  from  the  mountains  The  sound  seemed  to 
come  from  the  N.  I  suppose  the  sound  heard  in  the  Snake  coun- 
try arose  from  the  same  cause  altho  then  no  heavy  mountains 
were  in  sight  but  there  were  cut  rocks  enough  weather  some- 
what smokey  but  warm  and  clear  A  party  of  hunters  who  pro- 
posed to  go  out  for  beaver  deferred  the  thing  on  ace.  of  the  water 
being  too  high  to  set  a  trap.  A  Thunder  storm  in  the  afternoon 
with  high  wind  from  the  S.  W.  and  Rain. 

5th.  Sunday  according  to  our  reconing  there  is  a  new  great 
man  no[w]  getting  up  in  the  Camp  and  like  therestofthew[o]rld 
[he]  covers  his  designs  under  the  great  cloak  religion  his  followers 
are  now  dancing  to  their  own  vocal  music  in  the  plain  perhaps 
1-5  of  the  Camp  follow  him     when  he   gets  enough   followers   he 


194 


JOI'RNAL: 


[asi 


It 


will  branch  off  and  be  an  independent  chief  he  is  getting  up 
some  new  form  of  religion  among  the  Indians  more  simple  than 
himself  like  others  of  his  class  he  works  with  the  fools  women 
and  children  first  while  he  is  doing  this  the  men  of  sense  thinking 
it  too  foolish  to  do  harm  stand  by  and  laugh  but  they  will  soon 
find  that  women  fools  and  children  form  so  large  a  majority  that 
with  a  bad  grace  they  will  have  to  yield.  These  things  make  me 
think  of  the  new  lights  and  revivals  of  New  England  rains  a  lit- 
tle today 

6th.  Bright  and  clear  found  all  of  my  horses  three  of 
which  had  been  missing  Moved  4  mils  S.  and  encamped  on  a 
creek  of  the  main  river  about  i  ^  mils  from  the  latter 

7th.     Same  Camp    cloudy  all  night  and  today  but  warm 

8th.  Same  Camp  last  night  had  a  false  alarm  Some  inds. 
of  the  camp  who  were  gambling  for  a  gun  discharged  it  before 
laying  [it]  on  the  stakes  This  though  a  common  occurrence 
gave  the  horses  a  fright  and  one  frightens  another  in  those  cases 
until  all  are  alarmed  the  running  of  those  that  have  got  loose  the 
snorting  stamping  and  rearing  of  those  who  cannot  when 
there  are  at  least  1 500  the  Howling  of  dogs  men  running  with 
guns  the  contrast  of  firelights  with  the  darkness  of  the  night 
make  altogether  a  scene  of  confusion  to  be  recollected  This  day 
hunters  "'ent  out  2  only  one  returned  sun  two  hours  high  with 
one  antelope  the  other  at  night  wHh  4  To  day  a  small  boy 
broke  his  arm  but  as  I  understood  that  the  Indians  reduce  frac- 
tures well  and  as  I  am  quite  ignorant  I  did  not  meddle  with  it 

9th.  Moved  S.  by  E  6  mils  and  camped  on  the  main  river 
on  the  march  saw  two  bla[c]kfeet  who  ran  with  all  the  speed  of 
their  horses  to  the  mountains  a  little  rain  but  warm  high 
wind  and  somewhat  dusty  The  rain  does  not  seem  to  lay  the 
dust  in  the  least  Tbo  country  covered  for  the  first  time  with 
sage  and  so  far  the  same  kind  of  minerals  aj>  near  the  Ponderay 
Lake  This  afternoon  came  to  us  a  Snake  a  Nez  Perce  and 
a  Flat  head  on  foot  they  came  from  Salmon  River  and  bring  no 
news  except  that  the  Nez  Perce  Camp  is  at  Salmon  river  and 
that  they  are  mostly  without  horses 

loth  Mooved  7  mils  E.  by  E.  [?3  rained  a  little  shower  but 
clear  in  the  afternoon.  This  moment  Chief  Guineo  is  saying  the 
usual  afternoon  prayers  I  observe  that  he  first  makes  a  long  one 
which  is  responded  to  by  the  usual  note  in  accord  then  a  short 
one  followed  by  the  same  note  on  horse  back  the  whole  time 
walking  about  the  Camp  hat  on  in  an  audible  voice  and 
directed  as  though  addressing  the  men  below  rather  than  "him" 
above  To  day  1 1  Flatheads  started  on  foot  to  steal  horses  from 
the  Blackfeet 

nth  Started  out  early  hunting  for  the  first  time  this  trip 
We  are  now  short  of  provisions.  The  Camp  moved  10  mils  S. 
by  E.  and  camped  on  the  river     the  wide   bot[t]om   of  which   is 


25a] 


WYRTH'S    FIRST    EXPEDITION. 


tM 


the  river  is 
long  prayers 
singing  as  an 


done  it  is  now  jammed  in  between  the  hills  during  this  dis- 
tance passed  two  small  creeks  big  enough  for  beaver  only  saw 
four  antelope  killed  nothing  saw  two  olived  green  snakes  about 
2  Yi  feet  long    blunt  tail  but  slender    afternoon  clear  and  warm 

1 2th  Being  Sunday  remained  at  same  Camp  the  hills  here 
are  of  Granite  with  large  bed  of  quartz.  Mica  slate  is  common 
Gneiss  also  in  some  places  the  same  rock  as  at  Kittle  falls  ob- 
served in  one  place  a  black  mineral  like  that  found  at  Franconis[?] 
covering  iron  ore  it  looks  like  horse  hair  in  a  mass  combed 
straight  the  hills  are  now  well  covered  with  grass 
now  at  its  highest  but  is  fordable  this  morning 
in  form  as  usual  at  some  lodges  the  Inds.  are 
act  of  devotion 

13th     Went  out  hunting    killed  one   N.    E.    pa[r]tridge  only 

saw  4  cubs  4  deer  Camp  moved  6  mils  S.  S.  £.  and 
camped  on  the  W.  side     we  approach  the  head  of  this  river  fast 

14th.  remained  at  same  Camp  snow  and  sleet  all  day  An 
Indian  died  in  camp  to  <lay  but  I  do  not  think  the  Camp  was  de- 
layed on  that  account     it  was  a  bad  day  which  I  think  the  reason 

his  friends  are  now  singing  over  him  according  to  their  custom 

15th  Made  6  miles  S.  S.K.  and  crossed  the  river  and  camped  on 
a  little  creek  crossing  two  on  the  W.  side  all  too  small  at  low 
water  for  beaver,  snowed  last  night  and  until  8  this  mng.  altho 
as  much  as  4  inches  of  snow  has  fallen  it  is  at  11  oclock  all  gone 
except  the  hills  which  are  white  grass  good  Granite  country 
and  fertile  in  the  bottoms  and  and  on  the  hills  and  mountain 
sides 

1 6th     Made  9  mils  S.  E.  following  a  creek  of  the   main   river 

about  y-i  the  size  of  the  same  this  we  crossed  6  times  during 
the  day  this  morning  4  inches  snow  which  fell  during  the  night 
but  all  gone  at  9  ock  fair  at  4  in  afternoon  this  day  finishes 
all  our  provisions    in  above  distance  river  crooked . 

17th.  2  miles  S.  E.  3  E  and  cutting  a  high  mountain  i 
mile  S  by  E.  and  struck  the  river  again  in  a  large  and  fertile 
plain  here  crossed  the  main  branch  of  it  and  followed  2  miles  a 
creek  running  S  by  E  at  the  place  where  we  left  the  river  it 
receives  a  small  creek  from  the  S  and  where  we  struck  it  again 
another  quite  small  from  the  N.  The  main  branch  appears  to  run 
about  E.  from  the  plain  when  arrived  at  Cimp  finding  no  meat 
I  took  my  traps  out  to  catch  beaver  when  returning  saw 
the  squaw  bringing  in  moss  and  roots  when  I  came  in  found  the 
hunters  had  come  in  with  one  bear  one  Elk  and  several  deer  and  5 
beaver  this  makes  a  timely  supply  Indiaiis  are  gone  ahead  to  see 
the  mountain  is  passiable  This  mountain  divides  us  from  the 
heads  of  the  Missouri. 

I8th  2  miles  up  the  creek  S.  by  E.  then  assending  the 
mountain  S.  E.  2  more  then  2  S  by  E  down  the  mountain 
and   struck   a   little  thread  of   water   which    during     28     mils 


196 


JOURNAL: 


[253 


increased  gradually  to  a  little  river  and  S.  E.  to  another  coming 
from  the  S.  and  both  go  off  together  N.  this  is  one  of  the  heads 
of  the  Missouri  we  crossed  it  and  camped  here  we  found  both 
Bulls  and  cows  which  makes  all  merry  this  pass  is  good  going 
when  there  is  no  snow  now  there  was  about  one  foot  in  places 
drifted  more  we  took  8  hours  to  pass  there  is  a  visible  change 
in  the  appoearance  vegetation  is  not  so  forward  the  trees  appear 
stinted  and  small    the  land  poorer  and    covered    with    Sedge 

the  other  side  there  is  Httle  on  the  W.  side  all  is 
granite  as  soon  as  I  passed  the  divide  I  saw  Pudding  Stone  we 
had  showers  of  snow  and  rain  this  day  but  this  I  believe  is  con- 
stant in  this  region  at  this  time  of  the  year  the  Mt.  is  much 
higher  [on]  the  W.  than  [on!  the  E.  side  This  I  observed  also  at  the 
Trois  Tetons  The  grass  is  poor  and  has  started  but  little  the 
prairie  in  some  places  has  snow  The  vall[e]y  runs  N  and  S.  and 
is  bounded  E.  and  W.  by  a  range  of  Mts.  this  day  my  horse 
keeper  left  me  taking  an  offence  at  some  misinterpretation  about 
a  horse.  The  i6th.  Woodman  came  to  camp  from  his  hunt  for 
beaver  tired  and  famished  having  eated  nothing  for  three  f^.ays 

19th  Same  Camp  snowed  by  fits  most  of  the  day  being 
Sunday  the  medicine  chief  had  devotional  exercises  with  his  fol- 
lowers he  formed  them  into  a  ring  men  women  and  children  and 
after  an  address  they  danced  to  a  tune  in  dancing  the[y]  keep 
the  feet  in  the  same  position  the  whole  time  mer[e]ly  jumping  up 
to  the  tune  keeping  the  hands  in  front  of  them  at  intervals  he 
addressed  them  at  night  Blackfeet  were  seen  prowling  about  the 
camp  at  least  so  the  Indians  say  erected  myself  a  lodge  for  the 
first  time  in  the  country  and  paid  a  treat  of  rum  &c  to  the  whites 
in  Camp  and  some  of  the  principal  Indians  to  wet  the  same  as  it 
is  called. 

29th.  Snowing  hard  in  the  morning  one  horse  so  lame  that 
if  we  move  Camp  to  day  he  will  remain  for  the  Blackfoot  or 
wolves.  Much  the  same.  Started  at  half  past  12  found 
the  horse  could  be  drove  a  little     got  him  along  about  four   miles 

shall  return  for  him  to  morrow  this  day  9  miles  E.  S.  E.  over 
a  level  plain  of  rich  deep  soil  wet  and  mir>'  in  the  extreme  saw 
our  Indians  running  buffaloe  ahead  At  5  mils  crossed  a  little 
brook  running  N  by  E  and  camped  on  a  considerable  creek  run- 
ning N.  by  E.    and  all  falling  in  to  the  same  as  the  creek  we  left 

At  about  the  junction  it  doubles  round  a  point  of  mountains 
and  apparently  takes  a  north  [?]eastwardly  course  rain  snow  and 
and  sunshine  as  usual  today.  4  hunters  left  us  to  day  to  hunt 
beaver  in  the  Blackfoot  country,  Pellew,  Charloi,  Narbesse.Rivej'. 

2ist.  Same  Camp  sent  back  and  brought  the  lame  horse  into 
Camp  Went  out  to  the  mountain  to  cut  log  poles  found  a 
Blackfoot  lodge  recently  occupied     snow  as  usual   saw  the  Indians 


254] 


WYKTirS    FIRST    RXPKDITION. 


197 


cooking  a  root  resembliti}?  the  yellow  dock,  but  not  so  yel- 
lov\  tasted  like  parsnip  raw,  informed  by  them  that  it  is  bad 
before  ))eing  cooked    suppose  it  is  more  or  less  poisonous 

2 2d  Same  camp     Blue  Devils  all  Day    Turned  in 

23d  6  miles  S.  S.  K.  and  up  the  valley  3  vS  E  by  vS.  3  S.  K. 
This  valley  is  all  good  land  al)out  four  miles  wide  and  perhaps  50 
long  and  how  much  further  it  goes  N.  I  cannot  say.  Went  out 
to  hunt  buffaloe  killed  one  Klk  out  of  a  large  band  mountains 
with  snow  each  side  of  valley     snowed  a  little  as  usual 

24th  A  double  portion  of  the  usual  weather  viz.  rain  Hail 
snow  wind  rain  and  Thunder  into  the  bargain  we  are  so  near 
where  they  make  weather  that  they  .send  it  as  if  cost  nothing 
Course  S.  E.  6  miles  up  the  creek  then  by  N.  E.  3  cutting  a 
height  of  land  but  low  and  perfectly  good  going  to  the  head  of  an- 
other river  running  S.  E.  down  this  two  miles  and  camped 
hunted  today    killed  one  cow     saw  some  hundreds 

25th.  Followed  the  creek  5  miles  S.  S.  E.  then  it  turned 
round  a  point  more  eastv;ardly  We  continued  same  course  4 
mils  and  struck  a  creek  going  into  the  same  about  2 
mils  below  the  point  spoken  of  rain  snow  &  Hail  today  with 
sunshine  grass  better  to  day  had  a  long  ride  before  sunrise  after 
the  lame  horse  which  I  brought  to  Camp. 

26th  Same  Camp  A  blnckfoot  Trail  discovered  in  our  vicini- 
ty a  numerous  camp  of  them  better  weather  than  usual  to  day  Sun- 
day according  to  our  reconing.  At  night  one  of  two  Indians  who 
started  on  an  express  to  the  Nez  Perces  Camp  returned  with 
three  blankets  one  white  shirt  and  [some]  tobacco  and  powder 
which  articles  they  found  buried  with  a  Blackfoot  Indian  who 
was  unscalped  two  bullets  through  his  head  and  one  through 
his  body  We  apprehend  that  there  has  been  a  battle  between  the 
Blackfoot  Indians  and  perhaps  the  whites. 

27th  17  mils  S.  crossing  two  small  forks  of  the  Missouri  and 
camping  on  the  third  of  small  size  near  Camp  found  a  red 
blankett  Hat  and  some  small  articles  but  no  body,  soon  after 
Camp  arrived  one  Indian  with  news  and  soon  after  2  more  and 
three  squaws  comprising  the  only  survivor[s]  of  the  battle  which 
happened  thus  21  Nez  Perces  18  Flathead  and  two  Iroquois 
and  I  Ponderai  started  with  intent  to  steal  horses  from  the  Black- 
feet  near  the  head  of  Salmon  River  they  saw  4  and  some 
horses  these  they  attacked  just  at  this  moment  a  horse  threw 
one  of  the  Flatheads  he  seized  on  one  of  the  horses  of  the  Black- 
feet  and  ran  after  him  up  a  mountain  he  looked  back  and  saw  a 
large  number  of  Blackfeet  killing  his  companions  not  one  surviv- 
ed but  himself  he  made  the  best  of  his  way  to  the  Nez  Perce 
Camp  to  tell  the  sad  tale  to  the  wives  and  children  of  the  dead 

in  this  Camp  [where]  the  relatives  of  the  deceased  Flathead  are 
there  is  weeping  and  wailing.  Fair  all  day  and  comfortably  warm, 
there  were  46  lodges  of  the  Blackft.     do  not  know  if  women  were 


198 


JOURNAL: 


[3S5 


with  it  or  not  if  not  it  is  a  much  larger  Camp  than  ours,  the 
blanketts  &c  found  are  accounted  for  in  the  practice  that  the 
Blkft.  have  of  cutting  a  piece  of  flesh  from  near  the  shoulder 
tying  it  to  an  article  and  throwing  it  away  to  propitiate  the 
Deity  the  circumstance  of  the  flesh  being  tied  with  them  I  did 
not  at  first  know. 

28th  Moved  S.  8  miles  following  the  left  branch  of  the  creek 
which  forks  at  our  last  nights  camp  then  S.  S.  W.  4  miles  and 
camped  on  the  same  creek  a  little  rain  just  after  we  came  to  camp 
a  band  of  Buffaloe  passed  the  camp  which  gave  a  fine  chance  to 
the  Indians  to  run  them  one  of  them  they  chased  into  camp  and 
then  killed  her  a  fine  cow. 

29th  Moved  S.  by  E.  6  miles  cutting  the  divide  of  waters  and 
struck  a  small  creek  going  into  Salmon  river  then  7  miles  S  by 
B.  following  the  creek  through  high  hills  of  lime  rock  on  which 
wc  found  plenty  of  sheep  some  of  which  were  killed  then 
3  miles  S.  W.  and  struck  Salmon  River  here  a  small  creek  run- 
ning through  a  fine  open  plain  valley  about  6  miles  wide  and  ex- 
tending each  way  as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach  the  river  runs 
here  about  W.  by  N.  On  the  S.  side  is  a  high  range  of  snowy 
mountains  perhaps  not  covered  the  whole  year  this  range  is 
parrallel  with  the  river,  the  country  I  should  call  for  two  days 
back  volcanic  flints  are  found  in  abundance  some  of  the  stones 
have  a  white  crust  on  the  outside  of  them  whether  of  lime  or 
Epsom  salts  can  not  say  both  abound  the  lime  rock  is  most- 
ly slate  blue  but  is  found  in  layers  of  all  shades  from  white  to 
deep  blue  and  very  much  contorted  and  forming  frequent  caves 
and  holes.  It  is  the  intention  of  the  chiefs  to  remain  at  this 
camp  until  the  Nez  Perces  come  to  us  and  then  to  move  together. 
This  morning  left  my  wounded  horse. 

30th.  Same  Camp  rained  all  last  night  and  all  day  Went 
up  into  the  mountains  to  hunt  sheep  wounded  one  but  a  snow 
storm  coming  on  his  trail  was  covered  and  I  lost  him    Saw  plenty 

it  is  surprising  to  view  the  places  where  they  go  no  one  would 
imagine  it  possible  for  'n  animal  to  climb  the  rocks  they  do  Got 
nothing  and  hearing  a  iiring  hast[en]ed  to  the  top  of  a  hill  to  see 
if  the  Camp  was  attacked  but  found  that  the  Nez  Perces  had  ar- 
rived with  9  whites  a  Mr.  Hodgskins  at  their  head.  This 
party  is  16  lodges  and  only  escaped  the  Blkft.  by  the  latter  filling 
in  with  31  Indians  30  of  whom  they  killed  It  is  supposed  the 
30  killed  about  50  of  the  Blkft.  They  mustered  about  700  all 
men  and  were  sufiicient  to  cut  off"  all  our  Camps  if  they  would 
trade  man  for  man. 

31st  Got  news  that  20  lodges  of  Blkft.  are  now  camped  at  our 
camp  of  2 1  St  Inst,  and  I  think  likely  that  these  are  the  same  who 
killed  the  30  Indians  and  as  usual  10  times  over  rated.  This 
day  moved  7  miles  S.  E.  up  the  river  and  following  a  small  creek 
near  our  camp  of  last  night    a  creek  comes  in  from  the  S.     one 


[aS5 


356] 


WYKTirS    FIRST    EXPEDITION. 


199 


which  we  followed  coming  from  N.  W.  this  one  frolm]the  S.  S. 
Iv.  the  main  river  S.  K.  went  into  the  mts.  saw  antelope  kill- 
ed nothing  in  the  mountains  heavy  thunder  with  a  snow  and 
hail  storm  and  high  wind. 

June  I  St    Same  Camp    some  snow  on  Mts.     got  wet. 

2nd  17  miles  S.  E.  i  K.  by  N.  through  an  open  plain  nearly 
level  finished  the  streams  of  Salmon  river  and  struck  one  called 
little  Goddin    it  terminates  near  the  three  butes  in  a  little  lake 

here  goes  S.  £.  through  the  valley  the  mts.  appear  terminat- 
ing on  both  sides  a  fair  day  the  S.  r  ange  comprises  much  more 
of  a  stone  which  I  will  call  quartz  the  same  as  is  found  at  Kettle 
falls    there  is  also  lime  stone    Blue  and  without  organic  remains. 

3d  1 5  miles  S.  E.  through  the  same  vall[e]y  gradually  de- 
cending  the  stream  became  a  rapid  and  pretty  large  one  as 
large  as  some  that  pass  300  miles  We  camped  at  a  narrow  pass 
formed  of  low  hills  here  is  between  the  hills  a  slough  of  clay 
saturated  with  Epsom  salts  the  hills  are  of  Basaltic  rock  in 
coUumns  the  first  I  have  seen  in  this  region  lime  rock  is  found 
here  in  pudding  rock     Killed  plenty  of  BufTaloe  here 

4th.  Moved  through  the  vall[e]y  following  the  river  called  as 
I  am  informed  little  Goddin  in  a  S.  E.  by  E.  6  miles  during 
which  space  I  found  the  lower  hills  of  Basalt  the  mts.  are  ot 
lime  rock  the  same  as  passed  her[e]tofor[e]  Wind  high  N.  W. 
which  brings  warm  weather  here  and  clear    grass  very  bad. 

5th.  Clear  warm  day  moved  S.  E.  by  E.  8  miles  went  in 
search  of  Buffaloe  found  none  Saw  an  old  Blkft.  Camp  of  65 
fires  half  as  large  as  our  present  camp  Saw  several  whirlwinds 
which  raised  the  dust  at  a  distance  and  appears  much  like  smoke. 
Saw  the  three  Butes  come  in  sight  one  by  one  and  then  theTrois 
Tetons  the  Butes  S.  E.  by  S.  20  mils  distant  about  so  far 
this  river  rapid  and  little  brush  and  no  beaver  grass  worse  and 
worse. 

6th.  Same  Camp  last  night  arrived  3  Kootenays  with  25 
beaver  who  left  us  on  Flathead  river  being  on  foot  the  whole 
time  last  night  sent  out  Indians  to  see  in  what  direction  were 
the  most  Buffaloe  one  came  back  this  mng.  reports  cows  to 
theS. 

7th  Moved  E.  N.  E.  15  miles  and  without  water  the  whole 
route  the  Trois  Tetons  bearing  E.  perhaps  90  miles  distant  over 
a  level  and  dry  plain  without  grass  or  extremely  lit*le  in  the  aft- 
ernoon had  a  gale  from  the  S.  W.  which  blew  dowti  the  lodges 
accompanied  with  a  little  rain  and  enough  dust    to  sufi*.  ile  one 

on  our  left  there  is  a  range  of  high  hills  from  wl  ich  come 
numerous  streams  but  they  sink  in  the  plain  and  are  warm  and 
muddy  went  out  this  evening  to  bring  in  the  meat  of  a  cow 
killed  in  the  forenoon  and  found  a  horse  extremely  fat  it  is  sur- 
prising how  fat  a  horse  gets  by  being  left  to  himself    no   groom- 


200 


JOURNAL: 


[257 


ing  that  I  have  ever  seen  will  make  a  horse  appear  as  beautiful  as  to 
be  left  to  his  own  resources    the  Rutes  bear  due  S. 

8th  5  miles  N.  following  the  same  creek  up  which  grows 
larger  as  we  assend  had  a  fine  rain  &  Hail  and  Thunder  today 
which  is  Sunday.  Water  very  muddy  grass  little  and  but  a 
little 

9th.  10  miles  N.  and  following  the  creek  has  some  tolerable 
wild[?J  cotton  wood  and  willow  on  it     wind  N.     clear  and  windy 

country  sams  Three  Nez  Perces  arrived  at  camp  Bring  news 
that  Payette  is  with  four  Nez  Perces  Chiefs.  Capt  Serrey  with 
7  is  detained  by  snow  that  the  Blackfeet  village  is  camped  at 
the  spot  where  we  met  the  Nez  Perces.  We  find  that  Payette 
will  meet  us  at  the  forks  Capt  Serrey  has  got  31  horses  this 
day  a  bull  was  run  into  camp  which  I  shot  at  my  lodge  door  To 
day  an  Indian  was  running  bulls  he  turned  the  horse  stopped 
and  threw  him  the  bull  gored  him  into  bis  chest  so  that  his 
breath  was  made  through  the  apparture  by  the  help  of  the 
women  he  reached  camo.  When  Mr.  Ermatinger  dressed  his 
wound  he  very  composedly  made  his  will  by  word  of  mouth  the 
Indians  responding  in  concord  at  the  end  of  each  sentence.  He 
appeared  not  in  the  least  intimidated  by  the  approach  of  death.  I 
think  the  Indians  die  better  than  the  whites  perhaps  they  have 
less  superstition  in  regard  to  the  future  and  argue  that  as  the 
deity  makes  them  happy  here  he  will  also  heareafter  if  there  is 
existence  for  them. 

loth.  Same  camp  another  Indian  came  to  camp  who  had 
been  looking  out  for  the  Blkft.  He  was  ambuscaded  by  two  of 
them  and  narrowly  escaped  by  the  goodness  of  his  horse  being 
wounded  slightly  in  the  nose. 

nth  Same  camp  fresh  news  of  the  Blkft.  Made  horse  pen 
that  ray  horses  might  be  safe.  I  do  not  apprehend  any  serious 
attack  but  only  that  they  will  come  suddenly  with  a  great  noise 
of  voices  and  guns  and  fright[en]  the  horses  on  such  occasions 
horses  become  wild  one  frights  another  they  run  over  the 
lodges  this  increases  the  confusion  and  the  yelling  firing  and  run- 
ing  &  snorting  of  1200  Indians  and  1800  horses  is  frightfull  in- 
deed. Sometimes  a  camp  with  as  many  horses  as  the  above 
loose  every  one  it  is  commonly  whole  or  none.  Day  warm, 
clear  fiesli  wind  W. 

1 2th.  Same  camp  warm  day  The  Blackft  camp  about  15 
mils  from  this     they  are  very  numerous. 

}  13th.  Same  camp  cloudy  and  cool  with  high  wind  from  S. 
E.  Blakft.  still  near  but  have  attempted  nothing  yet.  Child 
died  in  camp  yesterH-.y  remains  to  bury  today.  Find  I  have 
missed  one  day  in  tuy  journal  which  has  been  done  while  laying 
at  some  camp  and  accordingly  date  tomorrow  the  15th. 

15th  Last  night  some  Blackfoot  fired  into  our  camp  a  ball 
passed  through  a  lodge     some  straggler  disappointed  of  stealing 


25«1 


WVHTHS     I'IRST     HXI'IvDITH^N. 


^oi 


horses  I  suppose.  Moved  N.  N.  K.  5  miles  atid  camped  011  a 
creek  now  almost  dry  and  soon  will  be  wholly.  There  is  little 
but  cotton  wood  on  this  creek. 

i6th.  8  miles  N.  R.  by  N.  to  a  small  cieek  which  about  a 
mile  below  this  joins  another  larger  one.  Country  nearly  level 
day  windy  S.  W.  wind  cool  and  cloudy  Trois  Tetons  bear  E. 
S.  E.  Today  saw  the  Indians  carrying  the  man  who  was  wound- 
ed by  a  Buffaloe  no  one  could  receive  more  attention,  one  person 
to  carry  water  he  was  on  a  good  bed  made  on  poles  the 
front  of  which  like  shafts  were  carried  by  a  horse  led  by  his  wife 

the  hinder  part  by  6  men  and  women  on  their  shoulders  the 
camp  moved  slower  than  usual  for  him  these  things  gfive  a  fav- 
orable impression  of  the  Indians. 

17th.  Same  camp  rained  very  hard  all  last  night  and  until 
noon  of  today  an  alarm  of  Blkft  last  night  but  I  believe  little  of 
these  things  in  so  large  a  camp  when  it  is  known  that  there  are 
Blkft.  near  a  man  straying  out  of  camp  is  enough  to  give  rise  to 
a  report  and  a  report  once  raised  it  gathers  like  a  snow  ball. 

1 8th.  Same  camp  Severe  hail  &  snow  yesterday  afternoon  and 
rain  most  of  last  night  and  until  noon  today.  Camp  alx)ut  out  of 
provisions  so  we  are  in  hopes  of  moving  soon.  Nothing  but  ne- 
cessity and  that  immediate  will  induce  an  Indian  to  do  the  least 
thing,  any  excuse  serves  to  stop  buisness  with  them  and  a  small 
party  of  whites  who  are  not  strong  enough  to  move  alone  will 
find  in  traveling  with  them  occasion  for  all  the  patience  they  may 
have. 

19th.  1)2  miles  to  the  main  rive  here  going  S.  W.  this  we 
found  quite  deep  enough  to  ford  for  horses  the  mules  I  was  ob- 
liged to  unload  and  put  the  loads  on  the  horses  3[?]  miles  more 
passed 

three  slews  of  our  stream  joining  the  last  river  mentioned.  3 
miles  more  camped  on  another  branch  of  it  making  io><i  miles 
N.  E.  by  E.  day  cl>ar  snow  in  patches  in  shaded  places  but  the 
country  green  with  herbage  and  mostly  in  blos.som.  All  rocks 
for  some  days  past  volcanic.  This  stream  looses  f*self  in  the 
plain. 

20th.  Moved  1 1  miles  E.  by  N.  and  camped  on  Kamas  River 
so  called  from  the  abundance  of  that  root  in  some  spot"  it  is  so 
abundant  as  to  exclude  other  vegetation.  This  Prairie  is  very  ex- 
tensive perhaps  15  miles  each  way  and  is  intersected  by  numerous 
little  streams  which  form  otie  going  to  the  S.  and  ends  in  a  small 
lake  on  the  plain  between  this  and  Lewis  river    day  clear  &  cool 

frost  last  night  snow  on  all  the  high  hills  Trois  Tetons  bear 
E.  S.  E.  I  should  think  about  80  miles  distant  found  Buffaloe 
here  the  first  for  10  days  when  we  found  the  last  I  think  at  least 
100  were  killed  in  otie  day  42  tongues  were  given  to  Mr.  E.  H. 
and  ravself. 


'-    i 


I 


20  2 


JOURNAL 


[259 


2ist.  Late  last  night  arrived  5  hunters  Pillew,  Nasben,  and 
Churboye  and  two  Indians  who  left  us  on  the  head  of  the  Mis- 
souri having  seen  plenty  of  recent  sign  of  the  Blkfeet  but  happily 
saw  none  they  killed  94  Beaver.  Today  went  out  to  hunt  kill- 
ed one  Bull,  forenoon  showers  and  lowery  Kamas  in  bloom  the 
Indians  are  taking  large  quantities  of  it  this  plain  is  extensive 
but  about  7  miles  across  of  it  only  is  rich  and  that  is  as  good  as 
any  land  I  ever  saw  the  main  plain  is  much  of  it  bare  rock  the 
surface  of  which  looks  like  a  pan  of  milk  when  you  push  together 
the  cream  evidently  it  was  once  a  fiery  and  fluid  plain  or  lake  of 
of  lava,  probably  the  whole  plain  between  these  mountains  and 
the  Trois  Tetons  the  rock  is  porous  like  honey  comb  the  sur- 
face shows  plainly  the  heads  of  Basaltic  colums  and  in  some  places 
the  colums  stand  not  perpendicular  but  at  an  angle  of  5c  degrees 
about,  same  camp. 

22nd.  Same  camp  arrived  this  mng.  an  express  from  Bon- 
neville this  express  came  from  the  forks  in  three  days  they  saw 
Blkft.  b  '  ae  way  this  afternoon  Mr.  Hodge  left  to  go  to  Bon- 
neville   day  clear  and  warm     BufFaloe  were  run  into  camp. 

23rd.  Sunday  Indians  singing  and  dancing  as  usual  day 
warm  and  clear.     These  Inds.  do  nothing  on  Sunday. 

24th.  Moved  across  the  plain  3  miles  N.  E.  Day  warm  and 
clear. 

25th  Yesterday  at  night  some  Inds.  came  in  from  hunting 
Buffaloe     reported  that  they  saw  two  Blkft.    and  fired  on   them 

at  night  we  saw  their  fire  in  the  Mts.  Same  camp  fine  clear 
warm  day     emploj'^ed  in  making  a  saddle. 

26th.  Same  camp  went  out  hunting  .saw  a  few  BufFaloe  but 
killed  nothing  but  a  grouse  as  I  had  some  dispute  with  Mr. 
David  Douglass  about  the  grouse  of  this  country  I  subjoin  a  dis- 
cription;  the  bird  had  10  pointed  drab  colored,  mottled  with  white, 
tail  feathers  the  outer  edge  of  the  feathers  are  only  mottled  until 
you  approach  their  end  when  both  sides  are  mottled  under  the 
tail  are  10  or  12  dark  brown  feathers  ?i  as  long  as  the  tail  feath- 
ers white  at  the  termination.  The  tail  feathers  are  about  8  inches 
long.  The  wing  feathers  are  nearly  white  underneath  and  dark 
drab  outside.  From  the  head  of  the  breast  bone  to  the  tail  are 
many  black  feathers.  On  the  body  under  the  wings  are  redisli 
grey  feathers  above  the  breast  and  nearly  on  the  neck  is  a  place 
devoid  of  feathers  of  a  dirty  olive  color  each  side  and  a  little  be- 
low this  is  a  tuff  of  .short  sharp  pointed  dirty  white  feathers  they 
look  as  if  they  had  been  clipped  with  a  shears.  The  tail  feathers 
look  as  though  they  had  been  burnt  off  leaving  the  stalk  of  the 
quill  projecting.  The  bill  is  short  and  curved  downwards  above 
the  bare  spot  on  the  neck  are  short  mottled  feathers  crtam,  white 
and  black.  It  is  feathered  to  the  toes  which  are  threeandasmall 
one  behind.  The  hinder  part  of  the  leg  is  not  feathered  from  the 
knee  downwards     Toe  nails  short  and  obscure,    its   liack   pretty 


26o] 


WYKTIT'S     FIRvST     BXPB:niTION. 


203 


uniformly  mottled  with  deep  brown  dirty  white  approaching  dirty 
yellow  and  dun  colored  weight  4  y^  lbs,  length  from  point  of 
tail  feathers  to  tip  of  bill  25  inches  from  tips  of  wings  3  Yi  ft. 
We  were  regaled  by  thunder  shower  on  our  leturn  to  camp  saw 
Blkft.  trail  and  a  cow  recently  killed  by  them. 

27th.     Same  camp    nothing  remarkable. 

28th.     Same  camp     nothing  but  lice  and  dirt.     Cool  today. 

29th.  Same  camp  a«  vesterday  went  out  to  hunt  killed  one 
Buffaloe  which  fell  into  the  liver  and  had  to  butcher  him  up  to 
my  middle  in  cold  water.  Some  hunters  who  went  out  today 
came  in  with  news  that  they  had  seen  the  Blkft.  camp  on  Tobacco 
river  one  of  the  heads  of  the  Missouri  they  say  it  is  larger  than 
ours. 

30th  Same  camp  Sunday  Indians  praying,  dancing  &  sing- 
ing. 

I  St  July.  Moved  2  miles  S.  and  down  the  creek  clear  moder- 
ately warm  day  the  first  for  three  days     nights  have  been   frosty 

ice  made  in  our  pots  &  pails.  Men  came  from  Bonneville  in  the 
evening. 

2nd.  Moved  S.  12  miles  and  camped  on  same  creek  on  the 
way  observed  some  fine  luxuriant  clover  grass  good  about  9 
miles  down  the  creek  w[h]ich  rapidly  increases  in  size  from  num- 
erous springs  w[h]ich  are  of  fine  cold  water  we  camped  in  a  clus- 
ter of  large  cotton  wood  large  for  this  place  about  10  inches 
through, 

3rd.  Last  night  a  Bear  made  his  way  into  camp  among  the 
horses  and  gave  a  considerable  alarm  but  was  off  before  guns  could 
be  got  out.  Today  moved  16  miles  S.  S.  W.  and  camped  on 
same  creek  with  Mr.  Bonneville  with  about  40  men  bound  for 
Green  river.  I  have  heretofore  forgot  to  mention  that  at  our 
camp  of  I  St  July  we  left  about  40  lodges  of  the  Flatheads  coun- 
try    this  days  route  dry  and  barren     day  warm. 

4th.  Same  camp  at  night  saw  a  band  of  Blackfeet  a  little 
above  camp    clear  warm  day. 

5th.     Same  camp. 

6th.     Same  camp     very  warm  weather. 

7th.  This  morning  our  camp  forked  in  three  directions  Mr. 
Hodgkin[?]  for  a  trapping  excursion  with  ihe  Nez  Perces,  Mr. 
Ermatniger  with  the  Ponderays  to  go  to  Flathead  river,  ourselves 
East  18  miles  to  Henrys  fork  here  wooded  with  narrow  leafed  cot- 
ton wood  our  route  over  a  v&cy  dry  plain  passing  at  about  half 
the  distance  some  low  hills  of  pure  sand  with  not  the  least  ap- 
pearance of  vegetation.     The  party  is  26  all  told. 

8th.  Followed  up  the  river  where  we  were  much  annoyed  by 
mosquitos   about  8  miles  N.  N.  K.    there  forded  it  about  belly  deep 

going  E.  by  S.  5  mils  to  a  large  river  which  must  be  Lewis 
fork  here  we  found  Buffaloe  these  two  rivers  form  a  junction 
about  15  miles  from  this  point  as  I  believe   near   two   butes   but 


2CJ4 


JOURNAL 


[261 


I 

'i 

■t 


some  say  not  until  you  get  as  low  as  Three  Butes    on  this   river 
are  not  many  mosquitoes. 

9th.  Made  this  day  22^  miles  due  East  toward  the  Trois  Te- 
tons  at  8  miles  struck  a  small  creek  with  cut  rock  banks  run- 
ning N.  W.  and  to  the  river  last  crossed,  which  is  not  Lewis  forkr 
At  20  miles  cut  a  mountain  which  rises  and  is  wooded  to  the  vS 
W.  and  diminishes  to  the  plain  to  the  N.  E.  We  entered  Pierre's 
Hole  and  camped  on  the  N.  W.  side  of  it.  Here  we  found  Buf- 
faloe. 

loth.  Moved  12  miles  S.  E.  crossing  a  difficult  swamp  and 
camped  about  2  miles  from  the  battle  ground  of  last  year  with  the 
Ciros  Ventres  Day  warm  and  a  great  quantity  of  grasshoppers  for 
several  days  past  so  much  so  as  to  discolor  the  ground  in  many 
places. 

nth.  vStarted  early  and  made  3  miles  E.  S.  E.  to  the  foot  of 
the  mountains  then  8  miles  E.  S.  E.  to  the  summit  then  6  miles 
E.  to  Lewis  fork  and  i  mile  E.  across  it  at  the  same  place  we 
crossed  last  year  found  it  very  high  for  fording  but  succeeded 
at  last.  Wind  strong  N.  W.  clear  and  moderately  warm.  Hors- 
es troubled  with  horse  flies  on  the  mountanis  but  not  in  this  plain 

found  buffaloe  in  the  bottom  also  mosquitoes  The  river  is  here 
much  choked  up  with  islands  and  heaps  of  drift  wood  and  a  great 
quantity  of  mud  in  coming  over  the  mountains  lost  one  mule  and 
sent  a  man  back  for  it     he  has  not   returned  yet    [at]   sundown 

got  a  wet  jacket  in  the  river  trying  to  find  a  ford.  There  is 
the  trail  of  about  8  men  who  have  passed  through  this  defile  be- 
fore us  as  I  think  about  14  days  they  marked  a  name  on  the 
trees  and  we  suppose  that  they  are  men  of  Dripps  &  Fontenelle. 
We  as  yet  see  no  appearance  of  the  Blkft.  except  very  old  forts 
and  lodges.  Lewis  fork  here  runs  vS.  E.  about  9  miles  then  turns 
S. 

1 2th.  This  morning  my  man  came  back  having  been  out  all 
night  he  found  the  mule  at  our  last  camp.  Made  this  day  9 
miles  vS.  E.  along  the  river  then  3  miles  E.  S.  E.  to  a  small  creek 
running  into  the  river.  At  this  place  9  men  under  Capt.  Stevens 
were  attacked  by  about  30  Blkft.  a  little  later  than  this  time  last 
year  and  several  of  them  killed.  Mr.  Bonneville  informs  me  that 
wh'^n  he  passed  last  year  in  August  their  bones  were  laying  about 
tht;  valley.  I  am  apprehensive  that  More,  a  sick  man  whom  I 
let.:  in  charge  of  Stevens,  must  be  on  of  them.  6  miles  moreover 
a  hilly  broken  limestone  country  S.  E.  to  a  considerable  fork  of 
Lewis  river  this  stream  is  strongly  impregnated  with  sulphur. 
This  camp  is  almost  without  grass.  In  the  first  place  this  morn- 
ing we  moved  3  miles  and  crossed  a  creek  putting  into  the  river. 
At  our  camp  of  to  night  there  is  a  small  branch  joining  the  creek 
irom  the  S.  E. 

13th.     East  5  miles     N.  E.  'j  mile  through  bad  cut  rocks   on 


I  26 1 


Ca6a 


WYETH'S    FIRST    EXPEDITION. 


ao5 


the  N.  side  of  the  river  there  is  also  a  trail  on  the  S.  side  then 
y2  mile  E.  then  %  mile  S.  E.  then  following  a  left  hand  fork 
of  the  river  a  few  rods  N.  E.  crossed  it  and  made  E.  3  ^iles  to 
the  right  hand  fork  again  which  we  followed  E.  2  miles  then  S. 
E.  4  miles  to  camp  crossing  it  several  times  a  good  trail  most 
of  the  way  one  horse  of  the  Indians  killed  by  falling  from  the 
cut  rock  trail  down  to  the  river  in  the  first  of  the  cut  rocks  there 
is  a  handsome  cave  rock  lime  &  sand  a  few  boulders  of  granite 
seen  today  as  also  on  the  E.  side  of  the  mountains  of  Pierres  hole. 
The  river  which  we  followed  this  day  is  rapid  and  too  deep  below 
the  branches  to  ford  during  the  last  of  the  route  several  small 
forks  from  each  side. 

14th.  Made  9  miles  S.  E.  to  the  height  of  land  between  this 
river  and.  Green  river  then  5  miles  S.  S.  E.  to  a  creek  running.in- 
to  Green  river,  there  are  good  trails  all  the  way  and  to  the  di- 
vide much  timber  The  creek  on  which  we  camped  last  night  just 
above  the  camp  divided  into  three  forks.  We  followed  the  most 
southwardly  for  awhile  then  mounted  the  hill  on  the  left  side  of 
it.  There  has  been  for  two  days  a  high  range  of  Mts.  on  our  left 
about  10  miles  distant  apparently  of  sand  stone  and  limestone 

these  [trend]  E.  S.  E.  &  N.  N.  W.  and  on  the  divide  between  this 
and  Wind  river  also  on  our  right  there  have  been  a  range  of  Mts. 
of  same  composition  about  1 5  mils  distant.  Both  ranges  have 
snow  in  patches  Many  alarms  today  but  still  no  enemys  killed 
plenty  of  BufFaloe. 

15th.  Made  E.  S.  E.  12  miles  to  Green  river  and  to  Mr.  Bon- 
nevilles  fort  day  clear  and  fine.  Found  here  collected  Capt. 
Walker,  Bonneville,  Cerry,  of  one  Co.  Dripps  &  Fontenelle  of  the 
Am.  Fur  Co.  Mr.  Campbell  just  from  St.  Louis,  Mess.  Fitzpatric, 
Gervais,  Milton  Sublette  of  the  Rocky  Mountain  Fur  Co.  and 
in  all  the  Cos.  about  300  whites  and   a   small   village  of  Snakes 

here  I  got  letters  from  home.  During  the  last  year  among  all 
the  Cos  there  has  been  in  all  about  25  men  killed  two  of  my  ori- 
ginal party  with  them,  viz  Mr  More  &  O'Neil.  [O'Neal?] 

1 6th.     Same  camp. 

17th.  Moved  10  miles  down  the  river  S.  E.  it  is  here  a  large 
and  rapid  stream  and  to  be  forded  only  in  a  few  places.  Here  we 
were  followed  by  the  Snake  village  we  encamped  with  the  Rocky 
Mountain  Fur  Co. 

1 8th  to  the  24  remained  at  the  same  camp  during  which  time 
the  weather  was  pleasant  and  warm  for  several  nights  we  were 
an[n]oyed  by  mad  dogs  or  wolves  which  I  cannot  say  but  believe 
the  latter  as  one  was  killed.  I  think  one  animal  did  the  whole 
mischief  as  when  men  were  bitten  at  one  camp  none  were  at  the 
other  about  nine  persons  were  bitten  at  Dripps  &  Fontenelles 
camp  and  three  at  ours.  D.  &  Fs.  camp  i.s  4  miles  above  us  on 
the  same  side  of  the  river  we  hope  he  was  not  mad  as  no  sim- 
tons  have  yet  appeared. 


2o6 


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[263 


t 


! 


24th.  Moved  E.  1 2  miles  cutting  a  small  divide  came  to  a 
wide  valley  parallel  with  Wind  river  Mt  i.  in  which  we  crossed  3 
large  creeks  and  camped  on  the  4th.  which  has  much  pine  timber 
on  it  and  is  called  Pine  fork  they  all  come  into  one  quite  soon 
by  appearance  and  are  not  near  as  large  as  the  main  fork  on 
which  we  first  found  the  whites  and  which  we  have  now  cross- 
ed. In  coming  here  it  passed  to  our  left  that  is  up  stream.  Found 
plenty  of  Antelope  and  Bulls. 

25th.  Crossed  the  stream  and  moved  E.  S.  E.  3  miles  to  a 
creek  the  same  on  which  I  made  a  cash  last  year  and  crossed  at 
a  good  ford  just  below  two  stony  hills  then  on  7  Yz  mile  E.  S. 
E.  following  a  branch  of  the  same  creek  and  camped  to  noon. 
Buffaloe  throwing  the  dust  in  the  air  in  every  direction  and  An- 
telope always  in  sight.  This  day  a-  Mr.  Worthington  in  running 
a  bull  fell  from  his  horse,  the  Bull  furious  ran  at  the  horse  and 
passed  him  within  3  feet  then  turned  again  and  passed  him  he 
having  got  up  from  the  ground  ran  and  escaped  he  killed  the 
bull  and  found  he  had  but  one  CA'e  owing  to  which  circumstance 
he  escaped.  Afternoon  made  S.  E.  13  miles  leaving  the  last  creek 
of  what  is  called  New  fork  to  which  all  the  waters  we  have  pass- 
ed since  leaving  rendesvous  belong  the  one  we  camped  on  last 
night  heads  in  a  lake  about  i  %  miles  over  and  not  far  from 
where  we  slept.  We  now  struck  t\  e  west  fork  of  Sandy  and 
camped  at  an  old  camp  of  last  year  at  a  place  ^^  here  Ball  left  his 
rifle[?]     Country  covered  with  Buffaloe. 

26th.  Made  S.  E.  9  miles  and  camped  on  another  fork  of  San- 
dy then  S.  E.  by  E.  15  miles  to  Sweet  water  all  the  country  is 
granite  from  rendesvous  so  far  Buffaloe  quite  plenty  also  Antel- 
ope Today  shot  a  cow  with  ^  very  young  calf  the  calf  ran  after 
our  mules  for  a  long  way  until  it  found  the  difference. 

27th.  Made  down  the  creek  i  y2  miles  E.  S.  E.  then  E.  8 
miles  to  another  branch  of  Sweet  water  then  6  miles  E.  b)'^  N.  to 
another  branch  of  same  then  down  this  branch  S.  E.  2  miles  and 
camped.  Saw  one  band  of  Elk  and  many  Antelope  plenty  ot 
Buffaloe. 

28th.  Made  E.  2  mils  to  another  Creek  running  vS.  by  E.  cross- 
ed made  E.  6  miles  E.  by  N.  4  miles  at  the  creek  a  sort  of 
slate  prevailed  but  soon  ran  into  a  red  sandstone  passed  at  1 1 
mils  a  small  pond  to  our  right  few  Buffaloe  today  last  night 
Capt.  Stewart  had  some  sport  with  a  bear  near  our  camp  in  the 
willows  which  he  wounded  but  did  not  kill  He  represented  him 
as  large  as  a  mnle.  In  the  afternoon  made  E.  by  N.  6  miles  to 
Sweet  water  river  thenN.  E.  3  miles  up  it  and  camped.  I  came 
ahead  and  found  a  white  bear  in  a  thickett  and  after  firing  a  pis- 
tol and  throwing  stones  into  it  started  him  out  be  came  as  though 
he  meant  to  fight  us  but  I  gave  him  the  shot  of  my  rifle  through 
the  body     He  then  rushed  on  us  and  I  ran  as  fast  as  I  could  Mr. 


264] 


WYKTH'S     FIRST     EXPEDITION. 


207 


II 


Kamel  [Campbell?]  snapped  at  him  Mr  Sublette  ran  also  being  on  a 
mule 

the  bear  followed  us  no  great  distance  and  turned  and  ran  up 
creek  some  horsemen  followed  and  killed  him  after  putting  4 
more  balls  into  him. 

29th.  Same  camp,  rained  all  day  two  men  went  out  to  hunt 
and  at  night  one  returned  alone  the  other  in  the  morning  being 
still  absent. 

30th.  Started  out  to  hunt  the  man  and  in  about  8  miles  came 
to  the  place  hunted  the  whole  country  over  and  found  nothing 
but  a  white  bear  the  largest  and  the  whitest  I  have  yet  seen  run 
him  about  a  mile  and  fired  one  shot  but  could  not  kill  him.  After 
a  long  ride  returned  to  camp  found  the  party  had  moved  on 
followed  them  N.  N.  W.  in  6  miles  struck  Po[r]poise  in  a  small  rapid 
thread  running  through  sandstone  banks  this  we  followed  N. 
W.  3  miles  then  N.  by  E.  9  miles  more  thousands  of  Buffaloe  in 
sight  and  the  red  bottom  of  the  streams  deep  and  muddy  with  re- 
cent rains  and  found  camp  a  little  after  sundown.  The  afternoon 
of  the  29th  we  found  lime  rock  almost  entirely  today  sand  stone 
and  a  kind  of  glassy  stone  resembling  Carnelian  a  coarse  kind 
of  which  I  think  it  is. 

31st  N.  N.  W.  8  miles  through  a  muddy  Bottom  and  little 
grass  to  some  large  willows  found  a  party  of  4  whites  who  have 
lost  their  horses  and  one  of  them  wounded  in  the  head  with  a  Ball 
and  in  the  body  with  an  arrow  very  badly  they  suppose  the 
Snakes  did  it  but  I  think  not.  Little  grass.  In  the  afternoon 
moved  N.  9  miles  to  the  junction  of  Great  Po[r]poise  river  which 
comes  from  the  S.  W.  then  N.  by  E.  4  miles  to  the  junction  of 
Wind  river  which  comes  from  th*^  W.  turning  around  as  I  supose 
and  running  along  Wind  River  Mountains  which  run  N.  W.  Al- 
together they  form  a  large  and  muddy  river  bvt  fordable  now 
which  is  after  a  heavy  rain. 

Aug.  ist.  Same  camp  find  Mr.  Bonneville  camped  a  few  miles 
alwve  us.  On  farther  inquiry  I  changed  my  opinion  expressed 
above  in  regard  to  the  Indians  who  stole  the  horses  I  think  they 
were  15  Snakes  who  left  our  camp  at  Green  river  a  few  days  be- 
fore we  left  that  place.  The  case  was  this.  Mr.  Bridger  sent  4 
men  to  this  river  to  look  for  us  viz  Mr.  Smith,  Thomson,  Char- 
boneau  a  half  breed  and  Evans.  Two  days  before  it  happened  1 5 
Inds  came  to  them  (Snakes)  and  after  smoking  departed  the 
second  day  after  they  were  gone  Thompson  having  been  out  hunt- 
ing [hobbled?]  his  horse  to  the  others  and  thought  he  would 
sit  down  by  them  until  it  was  time  to  water  them  and  having  been 
on  guard  much  of  the  time  previous  fell  asleep  he  was  waked  by 
a  noise  among  the  horses  which  he  supposed  to  [be]  his  comrades 
come  to  water  them  raising  his  head  and  opening  his  eyes  the 
first  thing  that  presented  itself  to  his  sight  was  the  muzzle;  of  a 
gun  in  the  hands  of  an  Indian     it   was  immediately  discharged 


208 


JOURNAL 


[265 


and  so  near  his  head  that  the  front  piece  of  his  cap  alone  saved 
his  eyes  from  being  put  out  by  the  powder  the  Ball  entered  the 
head  outside  of  the  eye  and  breaking  the  cheek  bone  passing 
downward  and  lodged  behind  the  ear  in  the  neck  this  stunned 
him  and  while  insensible  an  arrow  was  shot  into  him  on  the  top 
of  the  shoulder  downward  which  entered  about  6  inches, the  Inds 
got  7  horses  all  there  were.  Charboneau  pursued  them  on  loot 
but  wet  his  gun  in  crossing  a  little  stream  and  only  snapped  twice. 

2nd,  Found  the  river  unfordable  and  assended  to  west  cross- 
ing Po[r]poise  &  Wind  river  5  miles  up  and  madetheno  2c  miles 
N.  E.  by  N.  to  a  little  creek  going  to  Wind  now  on  our  right. 

3rd.  II  miles  N.  N.  E.  to  the  summit  of  the  mountains  which 
are  called  little  Wind  River  Mts.  and  run  E.  &:  W.  then  N.  5 
miles  to  the  river. 

4th.  2  miles  N.  along  the  river  to  a  clurap  of  sweet  cotton 
wood. 

5th.  7  miles  N.  by  W.  to  the  River  which  between  makes  a 
considerable  bend  to  the  eastward  camped  in  good  grass  and  some 
large  cotton  wood  trees'  this  morning  past  beautiful  camps  aft- 
ernoon N.  by  E.  12  miles    3  horses  found  this  day  and  yesterday 

probably  left  by  some  party  of  Inds.  who  have  passed  this  way 

saw  the  tracks  of  several  more  we  think  that  when  the  Crows 
stole  horses  of  the  Snakes  last  winter  they  came  this  route  and 
left  their  animals  on  account  of  giving  out  for  want  of  food  in  the 
snow.     Few  Buffaloe  and  those  running  indicates  Indians  near. 

6th.     N    10  miles  to  the  River  again  to  noon    found  little  grass 

day  cool  afternoon  10  miles  N.  N.  E.  to  the  main  river  again. 
Since  crossing  the  last  Mts.  we  crossed  a  creek  the  second 
forenoon  afternoon  one  yesterday  2  today  2  all  small  and  I 
suppose  sometimes  dn,-^ 

7th.  12  miles  N.  N.  W  and  camped  on  Grey  Bull  River  here 
I  found  a  piece  of  about  5  lbs  of  Bituminous  coal  which  burned 
freely  It  had  in  it  some  substance  which  I  took  to  be  Amber  al- 
so an  impression  of  wood  It  looked  like  and  as  good  as  Liverpool 
Coal.  Its  fracture  was  too  perfect  to  have  come  far.  20  miles 
above  and  on  the  E.  side  comes  in  the  River  Travelled [?]  in  after- 
noon 6  miles  N.  N.  W.  and  again  struck  Wind  river.  Shell 
river  comes  in  3  miles  below  Grey  Bull  on  the  E.  side  and  from 
the  Mts.  in  the  direction  E.  by  N.  Grey  Bull  is  from  the  S.  W. 
and  much  the  largest  stream  on  this  side  since  Wind  river.  For 
three  days  have  found  no  Bufifaloe  and  from  the  nature  of  the 
country  think  it  is  not  often  found  in  abundance  along  here  ex- 
cept in  the  winter    no  antelope     a  few  Elk  and  deer. 

8th.  W.  N.  W.  3  miles  then  21  miles  N.  E.  toward  the  right 
of  two  considerable  Mts.  where  W^ind  river  passes.  We  camped 
West  of  these  hills  on  a  river  larger  than  Grey  Bull  called  Stink- 
ing River  coming  from  the  S.  W.  This  days  travel  was  made  be- 
tween parrallel  ridges  of  broken  lime  and  sand  rock  some  of  it  ap- 


-r^fcj^^j^ 


[269 


WYETH'S    FIRST    EXPEDITION. 


2og 


peared  calcined  and  much  like  fine  caked  salt.  This  day  picked 
up  some  shell  they  are  very  numerous  also  a  round  concretion 
which  are  found  also  on  Cannon  Ball  River  from  which  the 
name  also  a  concretion  of  much  the  same  substance  but  long 
pointed  at  one  end  with  a  core  in  the  middle  a  hole  at  big  end. 
During  this  space  there  was  no  water  to  our  right  there  is  a 
range  of  Mts.  running  N.  W.  about  9  miles  distant  and  the  other 
sid?  of  Wind  River. 

9th.  10  miles  N.  striking  a  small  stream  of  water  This  days 
travel  and  yesterday  was  over  ground  naked  of  vegetables  in 
which  the  animals  sank  near  six  inches  deep  at  every  step  per- 
fectly dry  and  resembling,  but  of  different  color,  lime  in  the  op- 
eration of  slacking  full  of  holes  down  which  the  waters  at  the 
wet  season  sink    the  rock  is  sand  and  lime  stone. 

loth.  N.  15  miles  passing  near  but  not  exactly  on  the  river 
and  through  rocky  hills  of  no  great  height.  The  river  here  looks 
tranquil  but  flows  between  two  perpendicular  banks  of  stone  of 
perhaps  5  to  800  feet  high  the  chasm  even  at  the  top  of  no  great 
width  the  rock  of  lime  and  sand  this  days  march  saw  Plaster 
of  Paris  found  for  first  time  this  year  ripe  Service  berrys.  Kill- 
ed one  mountain  sheep  which  was  all  the  meat  killed  this  day  for 
48  men    short  commons,     hard  rains  last  night. 

nth.  Went  out  hunting  killed  2  Cows  and  4  Bulls  the 
camp  made  about  a  N.  course    at  six  miles  crossed  a  small  creek 

at  5  more  another    probably  another  branch  of  the  same    at 
9  more  a  creek  separate  from  the  others  but  not  large    all  these 
creeks  have  high  perpendicular  banks  and  are  very  bad  to  cross 
in  the  course  of  the  day  saw  4  Bears  white.     A  fine  grass  country 
and  a  great  many  Buffaloe. 

1 2th.  4  miles  N.  E.  to  Big  Horn  River  this  day  went  out  to 
get  Bull  Hydes  for  boat  got  enough  and  employed  the  rest  of 
the  day  in  making  a  Boat   this  day  followed  down  a  little  stream. 

13th.     Remained  at  same  camp    made  a  Bull  Boat    day   fine. 

14th.     Same  camp    day  fine. 

15th.  Made  a  start  in  our  Bull  Boat  found  it  to  answer  the 
purpose  well  large  enough  runs  well  leaks  a  little  made  3 
miles  N.  E.  stream  rapid  shoals  at  places  2  feet.  Too  much 
liquor  to  proceed  therefore  stopped. 

i6th.  Made  a  start  in  our  boat  found  travelling  quite  pleasant 
but  requires  much  caution  on  account  of  some  snaggs  and  bars. 
We  frequently  took  one  half  of  the  river  which  dividing  again  gave 
too  little  water  for  our  boat  which  draws  i  Yi  feet  it  is  quite  too  much 
the  [boat]  ought  to  have  been  flatter  We  grounded  about  6  times 
this  forenoon  it  is  surprising  how  hard  a  thump  these  bull  Boats 
will  stand  ours  is  made  of  three  skins  is  18  feet  long  and  about 
5  Yi  wde  sharp  at  both  ends  round  bottom.  Have  seen  on  the 
banks  of  the  river  this  forenoon  3  grisly  bears  and  some  Bulls   in 


9X0 


JOURNAL 


[267 


the  river  and  on  the  banks  they  stare  and  wonder  much  the 
direction  of  this  march  was  as  near  as  I  can  judge  N.  by  E.  we 
went  from  5  to  1 1  as  I  think  about  6  miles  per  hour  the  indirec- 
tion I  suppose  to  be  not  more  than  ^.  All  feel  badly  today  from 
a  severe  bout  of  drinking  last  night.  Afternoon  made  4  hours  at  a 
good  6  mile  rate  grounded  three  times  saw  a  few  elk  and  much 
Beaver  sign  all  day  there  is  here  the  best  trapping  that  I  have 
ever  found  on  so  large  a  river  it  is  about  100  yards  wide  when 
all  together  but  is  much  cut  into  slews  which  makes  the  naviga- 
tion very  difficult.     The  musquitoes  have  anoyed  me  much  today 

they  affect  me  almost  as  bad  as  a  rattle  snake  this  afternoons 
course  about  N.  N.  W.  at  6  miles  from  our  noon  camp  passed  a 
place  where  we  supposed  the  Little  Horn  River  came  in  from  the 
S.  K.  at  least  there  is  a  considerable  river  at  that  place  but  it  is 
difficult  to  tell  a  returning  slew  from  a  river  this  afternoon  a 
severe  thunderstorm  which  compelled  us  to  put  ashore  until  it 
was  over 

17th.  This  day  the  river  made  nearly  a  N.  course  and  we  made 
about  7  Y-i  hours  at  the  rate  of  about  6  miles  the  river  winding 
about  ^  of  the  distance  we  started  at  5  ock.  at  about  9  ock. 
saw  several  persons  ahead  on  the  bank  of  the  river  which  we  at 
first  supposed  to  be  whites  from  the  fort  but  soon  found  to  be 
Crow  Indians  they  informed  us  that  the  whole  nation  was  be- 
hind we  were  anxious  to  avoid  them  but  could  not  as  the  river 
afforded  us  no  hiding  place  they  showed  us  that  they  meant  us 
to  land  very  soon  by  stepping  and  swimming  into  the  river  seeing 
this  we  chose  to  land  without  further  trouble  in  this  way  we 
were  obliged  to  make  the  shore  6  times  during  the  daj'  we  ar- 
rived at  the  Yellow  Stone  which  was  of  clear  water  and  did  not 
mix  with  the  waters  of  the  Bij:  Horn  which  was  at  this  time  dirty 
for  some  miles  about  3  miles  (lelow  the  mouth  of  the  Big  Horn 
we  found  Fort  Cpss  one  of  the  Am.  F.  Co.  at  which  post  we  trad- 
ed about  10  packs  of  Beaver  and  15c  to  200  pack  robes  goods 
are  broug[t]  up  in  boats  of  about  15  tons  burthen  2  of  which  are 
now  laying  here  and  one  of  them  preparing  to  descend  in  two  days 

we  were  treated  with  little  or  no  ceremony  by  Mr.  TuUock.who 
we  found  in  charge  which  I  attributed  to  sickness  on  his  part  well 
knowing  that  a  sick  man  is  never  disposed  to  be  over  civil  to  oth- 
ers we  therefore  pushed  on  next  morning.  Just  as  we  arrived 
we  saw  31  Indians  with  two  American  flags  come  to  the  other  side 
of  the  river  they  were  Gros  ventres  du  Baum  the  same  we 
fought  with  last  summer  at  the  Trois  Tetons  they  came  to  make 
peace  with  the  Crows  they  were  treated  civily  at  the  Fort  and 
before  night  followed  the  river  up  to  the  Crow  village  where  I  ex- 
pect their  scalps  will  be  taken  for  the  Crows  informed  us  that  not 
long  since  a  few  Blkft.  came  and  made  peace  with  them  shortly 
after  three  Crows  went  to  the  Blackfeet  two  of  which  they  killed 
and  they  were  determined  to  make  no  more  peace  with  them. 


1^ 


268] 


WYETH'S    FIRST    EXPEDITION. 


911 


1 8th.  Started  down  the  river  made  3  hours  with  a  hard  wind 
about  4  miles  an  hour  \nd  put  up  to  noon  seeing  some  elk  which 
we  were  in  hopes  to  get  to  eat  course  about  N.  afternoon  the 
river  tended  more  Eastwardly  and  at  last  came  to  E.  N.  E.  We 
made  at  the  rate  of  5  miles  an  hour  for  3  ^  hours  and  camped  to 
fish  and  hunt  having  no  meat  on  hand  there  is  along  this  river 
pretty  bottoms  and  great  quantities  of  sweet  cotton  wood  which 
would  be  fine  for  winter  camps.  We  saw  some  large  bands  of  elk 
but  our  hunters  were  more  conceited  than  good  which  I  have  gen- 
erally found  to  be  the  case  with  the  hunters  in  this  country  they 
are  not  willing  that  a  new  hand  should  even  try,  and  are  far 
from  good  shots  themselves  and  commonly  have  miserable  flint 
guns  which  snap  continually  and  afford  an  excuse  for  not  killing. 
The  river  sometimes  cuts  blufs  which  are  mostly  of  sand  stone 
but  the  river  brings  down  granite  and  porphry.  Fort  Cass  is  sci- 
tuated  on  the  E.  bank  of  the  Yellow  stone  river  is  about  1 30  feet 
square  made  of  sapling  cotton  wood  pickets  with  two  bastions  at 
the  extreme  corners  and  was  erected  in  the  fall  of  1832.  The 
Yellow  stone  comes  from  the  S.  W.  till  it  meets  the  Big  Horn 
then  the  two  go  about  N.  until  they  bend  to  the  eastward. 

1 9th.  Made  5  Y^  hours  in  a  calm  fine  day  I  should  think  about  6 
miles  the  hour  the  river  going  E.N.E.  stopped  early  to  try  a  band  of 
BufFaloe  that  we  see  on  the  left  of  us,  at  first  we  were  careful  to 
see  if  they  were  really  Buffaloe  for  yesterday  we  were  near  ap- 
proaching a  band  of  Indians  which  I  suppose  were  the  residue  of 
the  Blackfeet  which  I  saw  at  the  fort  as  they  appeared  coming 
down  from  that  way.  Nooned  in  a  fine  cool  place  under  the  shade 
of  a  large  Cotton  wood  in  a  large  green  bottom  the  rausquitoes 
take  much  from  the  pleasure  of  the  trip  which  is  otherwise  fine 
but  I  believe  for  a  party  like  ours  rather  dangerous  in  afternoon 
2  y^  hours  about  6  per  H.  River  E.  stopped  on  hearing  the 
bellowing  of  Buffaloe  on  shore  to  get  meat.  Our  hunters  as  usual 
having  failed  went  myself  and  killed  a  cow  got  a  good  ducking 
from  a  shower  and  returned  loaded  with  meat  much  fatigued. 
About  4  miles  before  we  stopped  we  passed  the  mouth  of  Rose 
Bud    a  river  coming  from  S.  S.  W. 

20th.  Started  early  and  made  this  forenoon  6  hours  at  the  rate 
of  about  5  Yt.  miles.  River  about  E.  N.  E.  last  night  a  smart 
rain  which  wet  our  clothes  much  caught  just  at  dusk  last  night 
plenty  of  Blue  Catfish  and  a  small  one  which  resembles  an  Ale 
wife  soon  after  starting  this  morning  found  an  immense  herd  of 
Buffaloe  close  to  the  river  stopped  and  killed  2  fat  cows  and 
could  have  killed  any  number  more  but  this  was  enough  they 
keep  up  a  continued  grunting  night  and  day  now  that  we  have 
fairly  got  into  them  in  the  afternoon  made  5  Y^  hours  current 
about  6  miles  and  E.  N.  E.  at  5  hours  found  bad  rapids  but  at 
this  low  stage  of  the  water  it  is  said  to  be  better  passing  on  ac- 
count of  the  chanell  being  more  visible     we  had  a  good  joke   on 


ai3 


JOURNAL, 


[266 


1 

1 


much  as  usual  during  the  afternoon  we  had  a  good  joke  on 
the  old  hands  as  they  call  them  selves  in  distinction  to  those  who 
have  been  a  short  time  in  the  country  two  bald  headed  Eagles 
being  perched  on  a  tree  on  a  point  and  ranged  to  the  other  side 
of  the  river  our  motion  made  them  appear  moving  the  old  one 
cried  out  Les  Savvages  others  of  them  said  on  horseback  with 
white  scarfs  I  looked  long  but  not  supposing  that  they  meant  the 
eagles  I  said  I  saw  nothing  but  the  eagles  they  soon  found  out 
their  mistake  and  we  bad  a  good  laugh  at  them  and  a  pleasant 
one  as  all  the  Indians  we  meet  here  we  expect  to  fight.  This  day 
and  yesterday  whenever  the  river  makes  perpendicular 
banks  we  saw  veins  of  poor  bituminous  coal  in  5  to  7  veins 
horizontal  from  3  it.  to  6  inches  thick  and  lo  to  15  feet  above 
each  other    rock  sandstone. 

2 1  St.  Made  5  hours  river  about  E.  N.  E.  passed  the  mouth 
of  Powder  River  at  4  hours  and  half  an  hour  below  a  bad  and 
rocky  rapid  but  without  accident  the  coal  still  continues  and 
thousands  of  Buffaloe  day  fine  stopped  to  noon  a  little  l)elow 
the  rapids  in  the  afternoon  made  5  hours  current  about  5  miles 
per  hour  in  about  E.   N.  E  direction     no  rapids  of  consequence 

the  blufs  have  ceased  these  blufs  are  a  part  of  the  Black  hills 
as  I  am  informed  the  Black  Hills  I  am  also  informed  make  the 
Falls  of  Missouri  at  the  Three  Forks  just  on  leaving  *e  blufs 
the  coal  veins  appeared  thicker    day  fine.     Buftaloe  p! 

22nd.  Made  at  5  >^  per  hour  6  hours  in  forenoc  ...ing  a 
sail  which  we  found  of  little  advantage  and  but  a  little  course  of 
the  river  N.  N.  E.  and  from  the  junction  on  the  E.  side  of  first 
Rose  Bud  then  Tongue  and  then  Powder  Rivers  it  is  of  about  the 
color  of  the  Missouri  altho  the  Yellow  stone  above  is  of  clear 
water  quite  so  above  the  junction  of  the  Big  Horn.  Our  boat  get- 
ting quite  rotten  in  afternoon  made  5  hours  same  course  5  miles 
per  hour  river  better  not  so  [many]  bars  and  country  not 
mountainous    the  coal  appears  to  have  given  out. 

23rd.  Made  in  fDrenoon  4  hours  at  the  [rate]  of  5  [miles]  per 
hour  river  about  N.  E.  Day  fine  and  hot  plenty  of  Elks  in 
herds  afternoon  made  4  hours  N.  then  2  }4  hours  E.  N.  E.  cur- 
rent about  4  miles  per  hour  saw  but  little  game  only  2  Elk  river 
broad  and  shoal. 

24th      Made  N.  N.  E.  2  hours  with  a  heavy  head  wind  about 

4  miles  per  hour  then  the  river  turned  Westwardly  and  when  it 
enters  the  Missouri  is  running  W.  by  S.  this  made  one  hour 
more  when  we  found  the  Missouri  which  we  assended  N.W.  about 

5  miles  to  Fort  Union  where  we  arrived  about  noon  and  were  met 
with  all  possible  hospitality  and  politeness  by  Mr.  McKensie  the 
Am.  F.  Co.  agent  in  this  country. 

27th.  This  day  at  %  past  10  oclock  we  took  leave  our  hospi- 
table entertainers  and  on  the  experience  of  a  few  days  with  pre- 
possessions highly  in  their  favor  we  found  Mr.  McKensie  a  most 


l»7" 


WYnTII'vS    riRST    ICXPKDITION. 


213 


polite  host  I  was  particularly  pleased  witli  a  Mr.  Hamilton  and  I  am 
perhaps  presumptions  in  saying  that  I  felt  able  to  appreciate  his 
refined  politeness  he  is  a  man  of  superior  education  and  an  Eng- 
lishman. I  was  here  supplied  with  a  peroque  traded  from  the 
Blackfeet.  A  Mr.  Patten  shewed  me  a  powder  flask  which  he 
traded  from  the  Blkft.  I  immediately  knew  it  to  be  one  of  mine 
and  on  examination  found  N0.4  H.O.O.M. graven  with  a  point  on  it. 
It  was  Mores  flask  who  was  killed  in  lyittle  Jacksoji  Hole  last  year 
on  his  return  home  after  rendesvous.  Fort  Union  is  pleasantly 
scituated  on  the  N.  bank  of  the  Missouri  6  miles  above  the  junc- 
tion of  Yellow  stone  there  is  no  timber  on  a  high  bank  above  the  fort 
I  am  told  that  there  is  not  enough  moisture  here  to  raise  vegeta- 
bles potatoes  grass  ect,  Some  corn  is  traded  from  the  Inds.  lower 
down  the  fort  is  of  usual  construction  about  220  feet  square  and 
is  better  furnished  inside  than  any  British  fort  I  have  ever  seen 
at  Table  we  have  flour  Bread  Bacon  Cheese  Butter   they  live  well 

I  here  saw  a  small  sturgeon  but  they  are  very  rare  Cat  fish  are 
good  and  plenty  they  have  cows  and  bulls  milk  etc.  I  saw 
lime  burning  also  coal  here  they  are  beginning  to  distil  spirits 
from  corn  traded  from  the  Inds.  below.  This  owing  to  some  restric- 
tions on  the  introduction  of  the  article  into  the  country.  Above 
this  we  have  met  plumbs,  pfrapes,  cherrys,  Currants,  ash,  elm.  The 
river  being  already  well  laid  down  shall  no  longer  give  the  course 

we  left  the  fort  and  went  2  hours  and  stopped  for  Mr.  Sublette 
who  remained  behind  to  finish  some  business  he  came  accomp- 
anied by  the  gentlemen  of  the  fort  after  leaving  us  we  made  4 
hours  then  supped  and  made  one  hour  more  and  found  Mr.  Wm. 
L.  Sublette  at  anchor  with  a  large  Bull  boat  this  gentleman  we 
had  expected  to  have  found  on  our  arrival  at  the  Missouri  he  is 
come  to  trade  furs  in  opposition  to  the  Am.  F.  Co.  he  treated  its 
with  much  politeness  his  brother  preferred  to  remain  and  come 
to  the  states  with  him  we  are  therefore  left  without  any  one  who 
has  decended  the  Missouri  but  I  can  go  down  stream. 

28th.     Pulled  one  hour    put  by  from  wind  and  to  regulate  then 
pulled  6  hours  and  stopped  to  supper     the  banks  continually  fall- 
ing in     after  supper  we  floated  through    the  night    1 1    hours. 
Calm 

29  While  breakfast  was  preparing  went  out  to  hunt  killed 
one  deer  and  found  a  severe  time  in  the  thick  swamp  and  mosqu- 
toes  pulled  8  ^  hours  and  drifted  1 1  hours  through  the  night 
which  exposed  me  to  much  rain  and  wind  from  two  thunder 
showers.  I  had  much  difficulty  to  keep  the  boat  from  bars  and 
snaggs  ran  several  times  on  to  Bars  all  hands  being  asleep  had  to 
jump  over  board  to  get  [her]  off  In  the  night  elk  keep  up  a  con- 
tinual sque[a]ling  it  being  now  the  commencement  of  their  run- 
ning season. 

30th  Day  pulled  9  hours  Saw  three  white  Bears  this  day  and 
some  Elk  and  a  herd  of  Buffaloe     night  floated   8  ^    hours  and 


ai4 


JOURNAI, 


[271 


were  stopped  by  a  gale  from  the  S.  E.  not  thinking  it   expedient 
to  pull  with  a  head  wind  and  in  the  dark. 

31st  Blowing  a  gale.  Made  about  4  hours  about  the  rate  of  2 
mils  per  hour  and  finding  it  too  bad  laid  by  at  a  considerable  river 
coming  from  the  S.  entering  by  2  mouths  this  I  look  to  be  the 
little  Missouri  as  laid  down  in  the  maps.  In  this  vicinity  we  find 
primitive  peb[b]les  and  bo[u]lders  much  petryfied  wood  other 
al[l]uvial  productions  stopped  all  night  on  ace.  of  wind  and 
rain  v/hich  made  our  scituation  uncomfortable  in  the  extreme 
the  weather  had  heretofore  been  ver}'  warm  average  as  much  as 
90°     this  day  cold  like  an  Eastwardly  storm. 

rst.  At  seven  the  weather  having  abated  a  little  made  a  start. 
At  3  o'clock  found  some  of  Sublettes  men  cutting  timber  for  a 
fort  and  learned  from  them  that  the  upper  Mandan  was  9  miles 
ahead  we  made  it  at  6  this  day  made  only  about  3  per  hour 
this  village  was  about  i  ^  miles  from  the  river  taking  my  Indi- 
an and  a  man  with  me  I  went  to  it  and  was  well  received  by  Mr. 
Dorherty,  Mr.  Sublet  [t]es  clerk  and  the  Inds.  Stopped  about 
one  hour  with  him  and  then  pulled  3  hours  more  passing  3  vil- 
lages of  Mandans  and  not  seeing  the  fort  and  being  afraid  of  pass- 
ing it  stopped  for  the  night. 

2nd.  Pulled  Y^  hour  arrived  first  on  a  high  point  at  the  village 
then  immediately  round  the  point  found  the  fort  and  was  well  re- 
ceived by  Mr  Kipp.  the  Am.  F.  Co.  agent  for  the  Mandans 
Stopped  2  hours  took  breakfast  the[y]  presented  me  some  dry 
corn  and  some  roasting  ears.  All  these  villages  cultivate  corn 
peas  beans  pumpkins  ect.  At  Yz  past  7  ock  pulled  a  short  distance 
when  we  had  a  good  breeze  ar.d  sailed  until  5  ock  then  stopped  to 
supper  then  floated  from  6  until  1 2  ock  then  stopped  owing  to 
fog  with  head  wind. 

3rd.  Floated  2  hours  and  stopped  to  Breakfast  having  found 
no  game  have  lived  much  upon  the  stores  we  have  taken  from  the 
forts  above  At  the  last  place  we  were  presented  with  some  green 
corn  which  we  are  now  roasting  Makes  us  think  of  Old  Lang 
Sine.     We  have  had  for  tour  days  rainy  cloudy  &  foggy  weather 

our  bed  clothes  are  wet  and  musty  in  consequence  after  Break- 
fast pulled  6  hours  when  I  thought  best  to  go  on  shore  to  cook 
I  sent  a  man  out  to  hunt  in  the  meantime  as  soon  as  he  assended 
the  high  bank  he  perceived  horses  on  the  other  side  we  after[- 
wards]  counted  21  lodges  and  from  the  number  of  horses  I  have 
no  doubt  there  might  have  been  from  75  to  100.  I  immediately 
had  the  boat  put  into  a  little  thicket  and  fortifj^ed  as  well  as  I 
could  then  went  to  fishing  and  spent  the  afternoon  caught  but 
two  large  catfish  as  soon  as  it  was  dark  we  proceeded  forward 
with  a  high  wind  and  a  cloudy  sky  and  no  Moon  all  went  well 
until  we  were  just  opposite  the  village  when  we  perceived  lodges 
and  fires  on  our  side  also  On  seeing  this  I  ste[e]red  the  boat  to  the 
middle  of  the  river  but  unluckly  took   groxmd   on   a   sand   bar 


£72] 


WYETH'S     FIRST    EXPEDITION. 


215 


here  we  worked  hard  for  some  time  to  get  off  and  had  the  Indi- 
ans seen  or  heard  us  herCe]  we  were  in  distance  for  shot  from 
both  sides  and  could  have  made  little  resistance  but  they  did  not 
and  after  some  time  we  got  off  and  glad  we  were.  We  proceed  [ed] 
in  all  4  hours  pnlled,  then  stopped  for  the  night  these  were  prob- 
ably the  Aricarey  and  would  have  scalped  us.  I  feared  much  for 
my  Nez  Perce  for  we  could  not  speak  to  any  Indian  on  the  river 
and  all  would  without  explanation  have  made  some  fuss  and  per- 
haps have  killed  him. 

4th.  With  almost  a  gale  of  wind  from  the  W.  pulled  6  hours 
and  then  stopped  to  eat  having  twice  nearly  upset  in  carrjnng  sail 
and  wet  all  our  things  after  drying  and  eating  started  on  still 
blowing  fresh  and  pulled  3  hours  then  floated  through  the  night 
1 1  hours  It  was  a  beautiful  still  night  the  stillness  interrupted 
only  by  the  neighing  of  the  Elk  the  continual  low  of  the  Buffa- 
loe  which  we  came  to  soon  after  starting  the  hooting  of  large 
owls  and  the  screeching  of  small  ones  and  occasionally  the  near- 
er noise  of  a  beaver  gnawing  a  tree  or  splashing  into  the  water 
and  even  the  gong  like  sound  of  the  swan  it  was  really  poetical 
but  sleep  at  last  laid  in  his  claim  and  I  gave  the  helm  to  a  man. 
Oak  is  now  plenty  in  the  Bottoms  and  for  a  few  days  past  has 
been  seen  The  uplanu  along  the  river  is  here  pretty  good  plumbs 
we  occasionally  see  and  have  since  we  first  took  water  on  the  Big 
Horn     frequent  squalls  of  rain  yesterday. 

5th.  Pulled  7  hours  stopped  to  eat  pulled  one  more  came 
to  a  deserted  village  on  the  S.  bank  fired  two  guns  to  see  if  there 
was  any  one  in  it  but  had  no  answer  pulled  one  hour  more  then 
floated  7  hours  more  then  pulled  3  to  Breakfast  saw  in  morn- 
ing a  band  of  Elk  playing  like  children  in  the  water  failed  of 
killing  any  of  them  owing  to  the  impatience  of  one  of  the  men 
who  fired  too  soon  pulled  through  a  dreadful  rain  7  hours  and 
camped  wet  and  cold    rained  all  night    strong  east  wind. 

6.  In  the  morning  made  8  hours  pulling  seeing  an  Elk  on 
the  sand  Bar  stopped  and  killed  him  very  aceptable  as  we  have 
had  nothing  to  eat  since  yesterday  noon  and  saved  his  horns  for 
my  best  of  friends  Mr.  F.  Tudor  of  Boston  pulled  2  hours  more 
and  the  night  being  dark  and  appearance  of  a  storm  did  not   run. 

7th.  Last  night  about  11  ock  was  awakened  by  the  water  mak- 
ing a  breach  over  the  boat  got  her  off  the  shore  but  was  obliged 
to  make  the  shore  again  on  account  of  some  of  the  men  who  were 
so  frightened  that  if  I  had  not  they  would  have  jumped  overboard 

laid  the  rest  of  the  night  on  a  lee  shore  thundering  in  a  loud 
strain  and  raining  at  no  allowance  spent  a  most  uncomfortable 
night  an[d]  rose  iti  the  morning  benumbed  with  cold  and  all 
hands  as  dead  as  loggs  started  after  eating  at  8  ock  and  pulled 
until  2  ock  when  we  had  a  fine  breeze  which  gradual[l]y  increased 
to  a  gale  before  which  we  scudded  at  a  good  rate  almost  despair- 
ing of  seeing  Fort  Pier[r]e  which  we  began  to  think  we  had  pass- 


ai6 


JOURNAL 


[273 


' 


: 


ed  at  about  sundown  we  saw  people  on  the  hills  which  we  sup- 
posed to  be  Inds.  therefore  kept  on  they  fired  but  we  did  not 
choose  to  hear  about  an  hour  after  sundown  we  smelt  the  flavor 
of  coal  and  landed  and  found  people  who  had  just  burned  a  kiln 
who  informed  us  that  the  fort  was  3  mils  ahead  we  though [t]  to 
go  to  sleep  at  the  fort  but  soon  found  that  night  and  a  gale  of 
wind  was  a  poor  time  for  travelling  and  also  that  3  miles  was  in 
fact  3  leagues  after  being  near  filled  by  the  surf  and  running 
afoul  of  several  sand  bars  and  getting  overboard  to  push  off  we 
concluded  to  stop  for  the  night  which  we  did  cold  and  tired  and 
wet  we  spent  the  night  as  we  best  could  one  comfort  plenty  of 
elk  meat     stopped  at  10  ock. 

8.  Made  by  sailing  3  miles  and  found  Fori  Pier[r]e  pleasantly 
scituated  on  the  right  bank  rather  low  but  withall  romantic 
were  received  with  all  hospitality  imaginable  by  Mr.  lyaidlow  who 
is  in  charge  of  the  Am.  F.  Co.  post  here  was  much  pleased  b  / 
the  order  and  regularity  apparent  about  the  place  we  stopped 
here  for  the  day  and  visited  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sublette  who  is  scitua- 
ted about  one  mile  below     we  here  ?aw  melons  of  two  kinds  corn 

pork    cows    horses  and  stacks  of  hay. 

9th.  Remained  at  the  fort  until  about  i  ock.  when  we  made 
by  pulling  2  hcurs  an  Island  9  miles  below  the  fort  on  which  the 
Co.  have  about  1 5  acres  of  ground  under  cultivation  here  I  re- 
mained all  this  day  eating  and  drinking  of  the  good  things  afford- 
ed by  the  earth  and  the  cellars  of  the  Co.  Found  cucumbers 
water  dr  musk  mellons  beets  carrots  potat'^es  onions  corn 
and  a  good  cabin  and  the  Company  of  Mr.  Laraiow  and  Doct. 

loth.  At  8  ock.  began  pulling  the  water  has  v;*'^un  two  days 
risen  about  2  feet  in  consequence  of  the  rains  wbicb  .0  an[n]oyed 
me  above  and  the  surface  of  the  water  is  covered  w.th  all  manner 
of  drift  rubbish  and  the  water  as  muddy  as  possible.  Wind  ahead 
all  day  but  current  much  improved  stopped  at  6  ock  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  great  Bend  and  remained  all  night. 

nth.  Commenced  pulling  at  *^  past  6  after  having  sent  a 
hunter  across  the  foot  of  the  Bend  and  after  6  hours  got  past  the 
Bend  and  found  our  hunters  who  had  hid  themselves  in  the  brush 
being  alarmed  by  seeing  Inds.  whom  we  also  saw  and  gave  some 
amunition  to  took  them  in  and  in  two  hours  more  came  to  the 
agency  for  the  Sioux  &  Poncas  Mr.  Bean  agent  but  not  at  the 
post  we  found  it  a  miserable  concern  only  three  or  four  men  but 
poorly  fed  and  buildings  out  of  order  though  new  and  shabbily 
built  at  best  we  were  hospitably  received  by  the  young  man  in 
charge. 

12.  Pulled  against  a  severe  head  wind  9  hours  in  hopes  of 
finding  White  River  but  camped  without  seeing  it  got  plenty  of 
good  plumbs  which  were  an  object  to  stop  for  as  we  are  about  out 
of  food  and  the  vicinity  almost  destitute  of  game. 


[274 


WYETH'S     FIRST     EXPEDITION. 


217 


13th  Pulled  against  a  severe  wind  3  y^  hours  finding  we  did 
not  make  much  headway  laid  by  for  the  day. 

14th.  Blowing  still  fresh  ahead  we  started  and  made  15  hours 
night  and  day  continuing  until  12  ock  at  night  it  was  dark  and 
we  were  nearly  upset  by  a  snag  but  our  fears  of  starvation  impel- 
led us  to  haste  did  not  see  an  animal  all  day  during  the  latter 
part  of  the  night  it  rained  in  torrents  and  wet  all  our  things  and 
persons. 

15th.  Commenced  pulling  at  7  ock.  Still  blowing  fresh  ahead 
and  raining  a  little    about  3  ock  cleared  off  and  stopped  to  cook 

during  meal  time  killed  a  fawn  which  was  very  good  luck  aft- 
er supper  pulled  5  hours  more  and  found  a  keel  boat  of  the  Am. 
F.  Co.  alongside  of  which  we  stopped  for  the  night  in  the  morn- 
ing of 

i6th.  Put  ahead  with  a  fine  wind  not  having  been  asked  on 
board  of  her  and  immediately  passed  the  Ponca  village  but  I  be- 
lieve not  in  its  usual  place  saw  and  delivered  a  message  to  Mr. 
Sublettes  agt.  here  and  gave  the  Chief  some  tobacco.  Made  with 
a  wind  which  as  usual  soon  died  away  and  pulling  13  hours  when 
we  ran  on  a  sand  bar  and  was  unable  in  the  dark  to  extricate  her 
and  slept  all  night  on  it  the  musquitoes  almost  murder  us  rain- 
ed most  of  the  night. 

17.  Started  at  5  ock.  Pulled  this  day  to  hours  rained  some 
in  the  course  of  the  day  saw  Povvquet  the  first  since  leaving  the 
states    also  mulberry  trees     Bass  wood. 

1 8th.     vStarted  early  after  a  rainy  night  and  pulled  10   hours 
saw  wild  Turkeys  this  evening  but  killed  none     nearlv  out  of  all 
kinds  of  provisions    saw  this  day  a  herd  of  Elk     tryed   hard   to 
get  some  but  failed 

19th.  Made  with  a  strong  and  fine  w'ind  12  hours  and  camped 
without  meat  supped  on  a  little  flour  boiled  in  water  Saw  dur- 
ing the  da}'  3  deer  looked  with  folly  at  them  and  fired  two  shots 
and  they  ran  off. 

20th.  Stopped  until  %  past  6  to  hunt  caught  one  goose  which 
we  eat  for  breakfast     afterward  put  ashore  the  hunters  for  game 

thej'  were  fortunate  enough  to  kill  a  fat  doe  on  which  we  feast- 
ed right  merr^'h'  and  having  lost  so  much  time  we  concluded  to 
run  until  the  moon  went  down  altho  we  were  before  informed 
that  it  was  not  safe  a  few  hours  we  got  along  well  enough  but 
at  last  went  over  a  snagg  with  limbs  above  which  taking  our 
mast  and  the  boat  swinging  broadside  she  was  taking  in  water  at 
a  jolly  rate  and  in  a  little  she  would  have  gone  with  the  suck  un- 
der the  rock  I  immediately  had  the  mast  cut  avvaj' just  in  time 
to  save  her  escaped  from  this  T  determined  to  try  more  we  ran 
a  little  and  were  driven  head  foremost  on  a  large  tree  lying  across 
the  river  We  stopped  about  midway  and  lay  swinging  like  a 
pendulum  with  much  danger  and  difficulty  we  extricated  her 
not  being  yet  discouraged  we  ran  on  but  soon  were  driven  into   a 


2lS 


m 


JOUKNAI. 


I>7^ 


large  dritt     we  narrowly  escaped  being  carried  under  and  half  full 
of  water  and  our  oar  broke  we  made  the  shore  as  soon  as   possible 

resolved  to  run  no  more  nights,  after  making  lo  y^  hours. 

2ist.  Made  9  hours  with  a  head  wind  and  camped  at  the  old 
post  of  Council  Bluffs  it  is  now  grown  up  with  high  weeds  a 
memento  of  much  money  spent  to  little  purpose  it  is  a  beautiful 
scituatioTi     the  magazine  and  three  or  four  chimneys  only  remain . 

22nd.  After  5  hours  in  a  dead  current  we  arrived  at  a  trading 
post  of  the  Am.  F.  Co.  Mr.  Josh.  Pilcher  agent  by  whom  we  were 
entertained  with  the  utmost  hospitality  I  had  met  Mr.  P.  at  St. 
Louis  on  ray  way  out  on  this  account  I  had  much  pleasure  in 
stopping  we  found  a  good  assortment  of  vegetables  and  a  sup- 
ply of  such  things  as  we  wanted.  Dined  with  him  and  made 
three  hours  more  and  stopped  to  hunt  Killed  a  fat  deei  ai'.d 
camped  for  the  night. 

23rd.  Made  2  hours  pulling  and  pas.sed  an  agency  y^  mile 
farther  a  trading  post  of  Mess.  Dripps  &  Fonter.ellc.  Made  in  all 
13  hours  and  camped  during  the  dav  killed  one  deer  from  the 
Boat  from  Council  Bluffs  to  this  have  found  the  Hic[k]or5' 
Shagbark  Sicamore  and  Coffee  Bean  trees  not  seen  above  also 
Night  Shade  Brier.  Ducks  Qe[ejse  and  Pelicans  have  been  very 
numerous  bu  shy  for  about  8  days  stopped  at  the  above  trading 
post    found  only  an  old  negro  at  home   the  rest  out  cutting  wood. 

24th.  Made  this  day  10  }4  hours  Killed  one  goose  saw 
plenty  of  deer 

25th.  Made  11  hours  Killed  one  Turkey  from  the  boat  saw 
this  day  the  first  Pawpau  fruit  and  trees  wounded  one  deer  from 
boat  and  stopped  to  search  for  him  but  without  success 

26th.  Made  1 1  hours  at  8  hours  came  to  a  trading  house  of 
the  Am.  F.  Co.  called  Rubideau  Fort  at  the  Black  Snake  hills 
and  on  the  N.  bank  of  the  river  on  a  little  rise  of  ground  in  the 
rear  of  a  beautiful  bottom.  Today  saw  the  Black  Locust  for  the 
first  time  the  lands  are  here  quite  fine  and  the  hills  as  far  back 
as  we  can  see  clotlied  with  timber  and  verdure  of  the  most  luxuri- 
ant appearance  the  country  is  one  of  the  most  pleasant  I  have 
ever  seen 

27th.  After  7  hours  pulling  arrived  at  the  Cantonment  Leaveii- 
worth  on  the  route  we  saw  several  Indian  janoes  with  Souaws 
children  ect.  I  had  no  letters  01"  introduction  at  the  fort  and 
therefore  could  not  expect  any  great  extension  of  tlic  laws  of 
hospitality  but  was  received  with  all  the  politeness  that  [could  be] 
expected  was  offered  all  the  stores  which  I  might  require  by 
Leiut.  Richardson  the  officer  of  the  day.  My  boy  Baptiste  and 
the  Indian  wer[e]  vacinated  by  Doct,  Fellows.  It  was  amusing 
to  observe  the  actions  of  Baptiste  and  the  Indian  when  I  went 
from  the  boat  towards  the  Barracks  the  Boy  followed  me  until  I 
was  hailed  by  the  sentry  at  view  of  one  so  strangely  attired  and 
with  a  knife  on  the  end  of  his  gun  he  broke  like  a  quarter  Nag[?] 


:76] 


WYKTII'vS     FlRvST     KXPKDITIOX. 


^19 


crying  Pegoni  and  the  Indian  was  only  prevented  from  taking 
the  run  also  by  being  assured  that  he  would  not  be  harmed.  I 
took  the  two  to  Doct  Fellows  quarters  to  be  vaccinated  the  Docts 
\vife  and  another  lady  happened  to  be  present  they  were  really 
beautiful  women  but  the  eyes  of  the  two  were  riveted  on  the 
White  Squaws  Baptiste  who  speaks  a  little  English  told  the  oth- 
er Boys  when  he  returned  to  the  boat  that  he  had  seen  a  white 
squaw  white  as  snow  and  so  pretty. 

28th.  Made  about  45  miles  to  Liberty  where  I  found  Mr.  E. 
M.  Samuel  an  old  acquaintance  who  received  me  with  all  hospitali- 
ty    supplyed  me  w[it]h  money  and  all  that  I  wanted. 

29th.     Raitied  all  day     did  not  start 

30.  Went  to  the  landing  after  breakfast  a  boat  arrived  going 
to  the  Garrison  and  joined  her  as  I  shall  arrive  at  St  I,ouisas  soon 
by  this  means  as  any  other  and  more  comfortably 

Shall  close  memorandum  here  with  Boat  I  after[ward]  return- 
ed to  Leavenworth  and  was  treated  with  great  politeness  by  the 
officers  of  the  garrison  especially  a  Capt.  Nichols  who  invited 
me  to  dinner. 


Memo  of  distances  on  the  Columbia  according  to  the  estimates  of 

the  English  Traders. 

From  Boat  encampment  to  Colville 309  miles 

"     Colville  to  Oakenagen 150       " 

"     Oakenagen  to  W^alla  Walla 207 

*'     Walla  Walla  to  Vancouver 203       " 

"     Vancouver  to  Cape  Disappointment 80       " 

949  [with 
pencil] 

From  Ermatinger. 


2nd    JOURNAL.     [With  pencil.] 


On  the  5th  of  May  having  crossed  the  Kanzas  at  the  agency 
without  accident  and  in  one  Half  of  a  day  and  traded  as  manv 
cuds  and  apishemas[?]  as  I  wanted  and  some  deerskins  for  which  I 
paid  Bacon.  We  started  with  3  less  men  4  having  deserted  and 
one  new  one  engaged.  Made  this  day  along  the  Kanzas  about  16 
miles  on  a  small  stream  having  crossed  one  called  the  lyautrelle 

6th.     Moved  along  the  Kanzas  and  made  about    12    miles    to 
noon  and  took  an  observation 
made  this  day  about  18  miles 


found  the  Latt    to  be    -10° 


39°    38' 


7th     Made  about  15  miles  and  camped  on  Uttle  "^^ermillion 
8th.     In  the  morning  Mr  Sublette  finding  that      is   leg   would 

not  bear  travelling  turned  back     made  this  dCa""  •  about  is  miles 

This  day  left  Kanzas  River 

9th.  Made  about  20  miles  and  camped  on  a  small  river  this 
<lay  our  hunter  killed  our  first  deer 

loth.  Made  15  miles  to  Big  Vermillion  and  then  5  miles  more 
and  camped  in  the  praire  with  but  little  wood  and  a  little  stagnant 
water 

II.     Made  9  miles  to  a  small  run  then  lost  the  trail  and  crossed 
a  sluggish  muddy  stream  running  N[?]  and  recrossed  the  same    it 
rounding  and  heading  North  and  camped,  at  noon     this  dav  Latt 
40"  18'.     Sent  a  man  to  hunt  the  trail. 

1 2th.  Spent  the  morning  mending  hobbles  and  endeavored  to 
get  an  observation  for  Long,  but  it  was  too  cloudy  in  afternoon 
started  and  in  about  8  mils  found  a  camp  of  Sublettes  for  nooning 
and  marched  until  dark  aiid  camped  the  horses  having  had  noth- 
ing to  eat  all  day  did  not  tie  them  up  at  i.  ock  at  night  was 
awakened  by  a  furious  running  &  snorting  of  the  animals  who  all 
broke  from  their  hobbles  and  left  camp  running  in  their  course 
over  any  thing  opposed  to  them  spent  the  night  in  looking 
them  up  and  found  all  but  two  about  sun  one  hour  high  three 
Otoes  came  to  us  who  I  suppose  occasioned  the  fright  and  got  the 
two  horses. 

13.  Started  and  travelled  7  hours  and  camped  on  a  fork  of  the 
Blue  and  found  the  lyong.  to  be  96"^  7'. 

i4tli.     Made  W.    S.  W.  21  miles  and  .struck  the  main  Blue 


333 


JOURNAL 


[279 


15th.  Made  about  W.  9  miles  and  found  our  Lat.  to  be  40° 
17'  then  made  12  mils  W.  by  N.  over  a  very  level  prairie  and 
again  struck  the  main  Blue  and  camped 

1 6th.  Made  10  miles  about  \V.  by  N.  to  Dinner  Latt.  40" 
23'  and  1 2  more  to  the  Pawnee  trail  to  the  head  of  the  Ar- 
kanzas  and  found  that  a  very  large  party  hid  .passed  it  about  10 
days  before  and  a  smaller  one  this  morning. 

17th.  Made  3  miles  up  the  stream  crossing  a  very  small  run 
course  W.  by  N,  then  struck  out  N.  W.  3  miles  and  crossed  a 
little  run  the  same  as  passed  in  the  morning  then  same  course  6 
mils  and  took  an  observation  for  Latt  and  found  it  to  be  40^  22' 
then  5  mils  more  same  course  and  got  sight  of  the  Platte  then 
W.    N.  W.     5  mils  to  the  river  and  camped 

i8th.  Raining  in  morning  caught  some  Catfish  found  fresh 
track  of  Indians  a  small  party 

19th.  Rained  hard  all  day  moved  camp  15  miles  to  a  small 
grove  of  timber  on  the  main  land  foutid  our  horses  very  skittish 
during-  the  night. 

20th.  In  the  morning  had  just  raised  camp  when  we  discover- 
ed two  Indians  who  were  shy  of  coming  to  us  but  after  a  while 
suffered  us  to  approach  them  they  said  they  were  Pawnees  hut  as 
we  did  not  not  know  the  Pawnees  this  might  be  so  or  not  per- 
haps Ricarees  afterward  saw  several  more  on  the  blufs  who  did 
not  come  to  us  at  noon  found  our  I^at.  43^^  i'  after  traveling  13 
miles  W.  N.  [?]  in  the  afternoon  traveled  13  miles  W.  and  found 
our  Long,  to  be  98°  30'     this  night  doubled  guard. 

2ist.  Moved  camp  from  the  pickett  and  12  miles  W.  to  break- 
fast fine  clear  weather  old  BufFaloe  sign  and  antelope  after 
dinner  started  and  soon  saw  a  band  of  elk  one  loose  horse  took 
fright  at  them  and  ran  back  on  our  trail  there  being  no  person 
mounted  on  a  swift  horse  in  camp  I  followed  myself  after  going 
to  a  little  creek  where  we  nooned  ihey  struck  out  S.  15  miles  to  the 
heads  of  some  little  streams  with  timber  probably  the  Blue 
where  I  overtook  three  of  them  my  horse  having  failed  I  lost  2 
fine  horses.  After  riding  about  12  miles  found  the  Platte  at  our 
nights  camp  and  followed  it  to  the  camp  making  in  all  a  ride  of 
about  50  miles  arrived  about  midnight  camp  moved  on  11 
miles. 

22nd.  Moved  about  N.  10  miles  Lat.  40"  33'  afternoon  10 
miles  W.  and  camped  after  a  little  3  Pawnee  Scouts  came  to  us 
and  slept  with  us  in  the  morning  12  more  came  and  wished  to 
persuade  me  to  go  to  their  camp  i  •{>  days  travel  N.  over  the  riv- 
er which  they  forded  here     they  stole  some  small  things  from   us 

23rd.     Moved  from  the  pickett  and  15  miles  W.    about  to  Latt. 

just  before  nooning  passed  a  little   creek   then    West    11 

miles  and  camped. 


iSl 


:So] 


WYETH'S    vSRCONI)     KXPRDITIOX. 


213 


24th.     20  miles  W.  to  the  crossing  of  the  South  fork  of  the  Platte 
about  8  miles  above  the  forks     found  Latt.  to  be  40''  41' 

25th.  Crossed  without  difficulty  and  made  up  the  N.  side  of 
the  South  Fork  about  4  miles  W.  then  struck  N.  W.  about  i 
mile  to  the  North  fork  which  is  here  the  largest  then  made  about 
VV.  by  N.  about  15  miles  and  near  to  some  cut  blufs  which  come 
close  to  the  river 

26th.  \V.  by  N. 12  mils  passing  another  place  where  the  blufs 
cut  the  river  and  here  found  much  cedar  on  them  and  camped  on 
the  river  in  a  wide  bottom  found  no  Buffaloe  today  killed  one  ante- 
lope. Afternoon  10  miles  W.  N.  \V.  at  nighi  found  the  variation  of 
the  compass  i"  30'  west  at  midnight  our  horses  took  fright  but 
being  strongly  picketed  and  hobbled  but  few  got  out  of  camp. 

26th.     I  date  this  the  26th  having  over  noted  one  dav   hereto- 
fore   in  afternoon  12  miles  W.  N.  W.    passing   some  steep   cut 
blufs  which  cut  the  river    afternoon  made  12  mils  and  camped 
still  no  buffaloe     Latt.  40"  22'  at  night. 

27th.  Made  this  day  20  mils  during  a  severe  gale  from  the  N. 
N.  W.  the  sand  cut  like  a  knife  and  it  was  altogether  a  most 
disagreeable  daj^  this  day  saw  a  little  timber  on  some  hills  to  the 
south  of  the  river  about  5  miles  distant  also  2  bands  of  wild 
horses    killed  one  Bull  so  poor  as  to  [be]  uneatable. 

28ih.  Killed  Buffaloe  plenty  today  Came  in  sight  of  the 
chimney  about  noon  made  22  mils  wind  still  high  N.  N.  W. 
Qne  of  our  outriders  saw  six  Indians  mounted  today. 

29th.  No[o]ned  at  the  Chimney  Lat.  41^  51'  After  travel- 
ling this  forenoon  1 1  miles   afternoon  10  mils 

30th.  Passed  through  between  two  high  blufs  through  a  pret- 
ty good  pass  and  avoided  going  between  one  of  them  and  the  river 
where  there  are  bad  ravines.  Made  this  day  22  miles  to  Horse 
creek. 

31st  Made  after  crossing  Horse  creek  at  starling  about  20 
miles. 

June  ist.  Made  15  miles  to  Laramies  fork  just  before  coming 
to  which  we  made  a  cut  off  of  about  3  miles  over  and  about  5 
miles  b)'  the  river  forded  this  fork  with  ease  and  made  8  miles 
up  the  Platte  in  afternoon.  At  the  crossing  we  found  13  of  Sub- 
lettes  men  camped  for  the  purpose  of  building  a  fort  he  having 
gone  ahead  with  his  ?"»st  animals  and  the  residue  of  his  goods 
lie  left  about  14  loads 

2nd.  Made  along  the  river  5  miles  then  struck  out  into  the 
hills  about  W.  N.  W.  and  made  12  miles  to  a  little  creek  in  the 
afternoon  made  13  miles  to  pretty  large  creek  and  cauiped  tor 
the  night  the  whole  course  this  day  about  W.  N.  W.  Left  at 
Noon  camp  a  bull  and  cow  whose  feet  had  worn  out. 

3rd.  Made  15  miles  and  nooned  on  the  river  this  course  N. 
W.  bv  N-  and  out  over  the  hills  about  \4  the  way     the  river  tak- 


'1:1 


ii4 


JOIRNAL 


[281 


Hi 


aloti^ 


ing  a  bend  quite  to  the  N.  and  passing  through  had  rocks.  After- 
noon made  6  miles  cutting  two  very  had  hlufs  hut  still  following 
the  river  and  camped  on  it 

4th.     P'orded  the  river  and  made  W.   N.    \V.     17    miles 
the  river  and  camped  on  it     vSuhlette  one  day  ahead. 

5th.     Made  along  the  river     24  miles  along  the  River 

6th.     Made  along  the  river  24  miles     W  by  N. 

7th.  Made  1 2  miles  along  the  river  to  the  red  Butes  so  called 
and  is  the  place  at  which  the  river  turns  S.  W.  and  we  leave  tf) 
strike  for  Sweet  Water  Sublette  2  days  ahead  weather  chilly 
and  windy.     Poor  grass  for  several  days. 

8th.  This  morning  I  had  intended  to  have  turned  out  the 
horses  at  2  ock.  and  guarded  them  but  during  the  night  the 
horses  appeared  uneasy  and  appeared  to  think  there  were  Indians 
about  which  induced  me  to  keep  them  up  until  sunrise  when  we 
started  W.  S.  W.  from  the  Red  Butes  and  made  18  miles  to  the 
high  ridge  of  land  and  then  one  point  more  to  the  South  and  12 
miles  more  to  a  small  creek  with  poor  grass  Several  of  tlie  horses 
nearl)'  done  up  for  want  of  grass  and  from  fatigue  this  day  kill- 
ed two  grisly  bears  and  many  Buffaloe  a  little  shower  toward 
night 

9th.  Made  S.  W.  10  miles  and  made  Rock  Independence  on 
which  W.  Iv.  Sublette  had  noted  that  he  had  arrived  on  the  6lh 
but  I  think  he  could  not  have  done  so  before  the  7lh.  I  noted 
ray  name  then  made  S.  W.  along  the  creek  4  y2  miles  to  a  pface 
where  the  creek  puts  through  cut  rocks  each  side  perpendicular 
and  about  60  feet  high  the  trail  goes  through  another  place  on 
a  level  atid  about  100  feet  South  of  the  river  the  rock 
ing  then  made  6  miles  W.  S.  W.  between  mountains 
level  and  along  the  creek. 

loth.     General  courses  W.  vS.   W.    and  along   vSweet    Water 
high  granite  hills  on  each  side     made  25  miles 

nth.  W.  10  rails  then  N.  W.  q  mils  to  camp  on  ySweet 
Water 

1 2th.     S.  W.  forenoon     a  cut  off  of  10  miles  to  Sweet  Water 
afternoon  S.  W.  9  miles  along  Sweet  Water.     Long,  i  ro-^"  30.. 

13th  3  miles  along  Sweetwater  S.  W.  then  took  up  a  ravine  to 
the  W.  X.  W.  about  i  mile  then  W.  by  S.  9  miles  to  a  creek  of 
Sweet  Water  run[n]ing  into  it  about  8  milei  oflfand  vS.  H.  then 
W.  by  S.  7  miles  to  another  creek  of  Sweet  Water  running  about 
S.  E.  and  eratying  into  it  at  about  10  railes  vSweet  Water  ippears 
to  run  in  cut  rocks 

15th.  Made  due  West  5  rails  and  crossed  a  small  creek  of 
Sweet  Water  which  comes  from  a  point  of  granite  rocks  about  2 
miles  from  which  we  passed  then  W.  7  mils  to  a  spring  of  good 
cold  water  and  good  grass.     Wind  river  mountains  now  bear    X. 


interven- 
bul  on    a 


m 


2H2] 


wYirnrs  skcono   kxprdition. 


Mi 


the 
the 


N.  W.  and  aCreJ  covered  with  snow  alx)ut  20  mils  distant,     Latt. 
42*^  44'     Afternoon  made  W.  6  miles   to  Sweet    Water  creek 
main  ix)dy  going  about  S.  K.  and  coming  out  of  cut   rocks  then 
VV.  by  S.  16  miles  over  broken  ground  to  one  fork  of  »Sandy   run- 
ning S.  by  E.     here  horses  wer[e]  tired     Kuifaloe  plenty. 

15th.  W.  N.  W.  9  miles  to  Big  Sandy  where  we  found  Buf- 
faloe  plenty  My  hunters  not  yet  come  in  been  out  4  days  fear- 
ful they  have  been  scalped. 

1 6th.  Made  down  the  Sandy  S.  W.  by  W.  15  miles  then  4  S. 
K.  by  K  and  camped  on  this  stream  so  far  the  gr?ss  is  miserable 
and  the  horses  are  starving  and  also  at  last  nights  camp  they  eat 
something  that  has  made  many  of  f  hem  sick,  the  same  thing 
happeneti  two  year  since  on  the  next  creek  west. 

17th.  S.  S.  W.  10  miles  down  Sandy  which  makes  here  a 
bend  to  the  right  afternoon  S.  9  miles  passing  at  three  miles  the 
mouth  of  little  Sandy  and  camped  without  any  grass 

i8th.  12  miles  in  the  forenoon  S.  S.  W.  making  small  cut  off 
afternoon  W.  S.  W.  7  miles  camped  in  good  grass. 
19th.  About  S.  by  W.  8  miles  and  camped  i  mile  auove  the 
mouth  of  Sandy  on  Green  river  or  Seckkedee  on  the  night  of  the 
17th  I  left  camp  to  hunt  Fitzpatric  and  slept  on  the  prn.:«if;  in 
morning  struck  Green  river  and  went  down  to  the  forks  and  find- 
ing nothing  went  up  again  and  found  rendesvous  about  12  miles 
up  and  much  to  my  astonishment  the  goods  which  I  had  contract- 
ed to  bring  up  to  the  Rocky  Mountain  fur  Co.  were  refused  by 
those  honorable  gentlemen.     Latt.  41''  30'. 

20th.     Made  W.  S.  W.  8  miles  then  S.  by  E.  15  miles  to  Hams 
Fork  running  liere  vS.  I*,  and  a  small  stream. 
2 1 .     Same  camp. 
2 2d.     Same  camp 

27th.  Moved  up  the  river  N.  W.  10  miles  grass  lure  pretty 
good  but  little  timber  and  none  but  willows  for  the  last  6  miles. 
To  3rd.  July.  Same  camp  then  up  Hams  Fork  ro  miles N.  W. 
moved  up  the  fork  about  W.  bj'  S.  12  miles  too  many  Indians 
with  us  for  comfort  or  safety  they  let  their  horses  among  ours  so 
that  it  is  impossible  to  guard  any  of  them. 

4th.  Moved  up  the  creek  about  i  mile  then  leaving  it  made 
\V.  by  N.  over  a  'livide  and  by  a  pass  which  occurs  in  the  lowest 
part  of  a  high  range  of  hills  7  miles  then  W.  13  miles  down  a 
ravine  which  had  a  little  water  in  it  to  its  junction  with  another 
small  run  and  the  two  are  called  Muddy  here  we  celebrated  the 
4th  I  gave  the  men  too  much  alcohol  for  peace  took  a  pretty 
hearty  spree  my. self.  At  the  camp  we  found  Mr.  Cerry  and  Mr. 
Walker  who  were  returning  to  St.  Louis  with  the  furs  collected 
by  Mr.  Bonnevilles  company  about  10  pack  and  mengoingdown 
to  whom  there  is  due  io,ooo$ 

5th.  Made  down  Muddy  5  miles  W.  then  N.  W.  cutting  a 
divide  into  a  small  ravine  which  has  a  little  water  in  it  8  miles 


336 


JOURNAL 


|J83 


'•V 


t' 

I 

s 


then  leaving  the  ravine  cutting  moderately  high  land  to  Bear  riv- 
er 4  miles.     Then  down  Bear  river  N.  by  W.  4  miles  to  camp 

6th.  Made  down  the  river  N.  N.  W.  5  miles  to  Smiths  Fork 
which  is  a  short  stream  from  the  N.  E.  by  N.  and  nearly  as  large 
as  Bear  river  then  same  course  3  miles  more  then  N.  W.  5 
miles  here  comes  in  Kamas  creek  from  the  N.  then  W.  N.  W.  3 
and  crossed  Bear  river  three  more  and  recrossed  then  cut  over 
some  high  hills  same  course  8  miles  more  and  struck  the  river 
again  then  down  the  river  same  course  i  mile  to  camp  nothing 
to  eat  due  south  of  this  camp  about  5  miles  is  the  little  lake  so 
called  which  is  about  20  miles  long. 

yth.  Made  3  miles  N.  N.  W.  and  passed  a  little  creek  the 
same  course  6  miles  along  the  river,  then  3  miles  N.  VV.  to  camp 
all  day  fine  grass.  During  this  day  a  multitude  of  fine  springs 
coming  into  the  river,     today  killed  one  bull. 

8th.  Made  N.  W.  lo  miles  then  10  miles  W.  N.  W.toa  place 
where  there  is  soda  spring  or  I  may  say  50  of  them.  These  springs 
'hrow  out  lime  which  deposits  and  forms  little  hillocks  of  a  yel 
lowish  colored  stone  there  is  also  hero  a  warm  spring  which 
throws  water  with  a  jet  which  is  like  Bilge  water  in  taste  there 
is  also  here  peet  beds  which  sometimes  take  fire  and  leave  behind 
a  deep  light  ashes  in  which  animals  mire  Killed  one  Bull  today 
but  so  poor  as  to  be  liardly  eatable  having  in  the  course  of  the 
day  lost  a  horse  will  remain  here  to  hunt  him  up 

9th.  Same  camp  asstuded  a  mouf.ain  and  from  it  could  see 
that  Bear  river  took  a  short  tu'  11  round  sheep  rock  about  2  miles 
below  the  spouting  steam  and  goes  south  as  for  as  I  :onld  see 
there  are  in  this  pi:iCe  many  hu^'ir^ds  of  mounds  of  yellowish 
stone  vit'i  a  crater  on  lop  f  •;  me<i  by  the  deposits  of  the  impreg- 
nated wateis  of  this  place.     Killed  one  Biiffaloe. 

loth.  Moved  N.  by  W  3  -.iris  cuttii,^-  a  range  of  hills  then 
N.  N.  W.  17  miles  to  Blackfoot  oa  which  I  found  Bon[n]evill? 
again  and  plenty  of  Buffaloe  and  killed  3  Grisly  Bears  during 
the  day  passed  many  small  funnel  shaped  holes  in  the  lava  hav- 
ing the  appearance  of  small  craters. 

nth.  Made  W.  6  miles  cutting  a  range  of  hills  then  following 
in  a  valley  formed  by  these  hills  and  another  range  Made  W. 
X.  W.  10  miles  to  a  little  brook  running  N.  by  W.  to  camp  Buf- 
faloe today  saw  one  Blackfoot  on  foot  in  the  hills  who  ran  like  a 
good  fellow. 

12th.  Made  W.  3  miles  and  caine  upon  r  small  creek  \vh!di 
was  said  to  be  Portneuf  it  may  possibly  bt  the  sarae  wuter  as 
that  we  camped  on  last  night  but  running  S.  by  E  crossed  this 
and  a  high  range  of  hills  and  struck  a  stream  which  is  said  to  be 
Ross  creek  this  runs  al  out  \V.  after  9  miles  more  camped  saw 
but  few  Buffaloe  today. 

13th.     No  Buffaloe     saw  f  Ik  on  Snake  River  which  we  struck 


2H4] 


WYKTH'.S    vSKCONI)    HXPriDITION. 


MT 


after  6  miles  W.  by  N.  in  some  small  slew  saw  a  great  quanti- 
ty of  fine  trout  about  2  lbs.  weight 

14th.  Went  down  the  river  about  3  miles  and  found  a  location 
for  a  fort  and  succeeded  and  killed  a  Buffaloe  near  the  spot 

15.  Commenced  building  the  fort  and  sent  oui  12  men  to  hunt 
to  be  gone  12  days  and  continued  at  work  on  the  fort  a  few  days 
and  fell  short  of  provisions  and  was  obliged  to  knock  off  in  order 
to  obtain  food  sent  out  some  men  tor  Buftaloe  they  returned 
in  two  days  with  plenty.  The  12  returned  the  28th  day  at  night. 
On  the  26th  a  Frenchman  named  Kanseau  was  killed  horse  racing 
and  the  27th  was  buried  near  the  fort  he  belonged  to  Mr.  Mc- 
Kays camp  and  his  comrades  erected  a  decent  tomb  for  him  service 
for  him  was  performed  by  the  Canadians  in  the  Catholic  form  by 
Mr.  Lee  in  the  Protestant  form  and  by  the  Indians  in  their  form 
as  he  had  Indian  family,     he  at  least  was  well  buried. 

30  Mr.  McKay  left  us  and  Mr  Lee  and  Capt.  Stewirt  with 
him 

6th.  Having  done  as  much  as  was  requisite  for  safety  to  the 
Fort  and  drank  a  bale  of  liquor  and  named  it  Fort  Hall  in  honor 
of  the  oldest  partner  of  our  concern  we  left  it  and  with  it  Mr. 
Evans  in  charge  of  1 1  men  and  14  horses  and  mules  and  three 
cows  we  went  down  the  river  S.W. 4  miles  and  found  a  ford  crossed 
and  made  N.  VV.  7  miles  to  the  head  of  a  spring  and  camped  in 
all  29  strong.    Fort  Hall  is  in  Latt.  43"  14'  Long.  113*^  35' 

7th.  Started  at  day  light  and  traveled  10  hours  as  fast  as  pos- 
sible N.  \\\  by  W.  30  miles  to  the  Bute,  being  the  most  south- 
wardly one  and  from  it  the  other  two  Butes  bear  N.  N.  E.  the 
farther  al>out  20  miles  off  the  other  midway  the  Three  Tetons 
about  100  miles  off  and  bearing  N.  E.  the  day  was  hot  and  we 
suffered  some  for  water  and  found  but  a  small  supply  on  the  N. 
side  of  the  Bute  a  miserable  chance  for  our  horses  and  not  a  good 
one  for  ourselves 

8th.  Started  it  sunrise  and  made  N.  W.  10  miles  to  Godins 
river  then  crossed  it  and  made  in  the  same  direction  12  up  the  riv- 
er and  camped  in  fine  grass  where  we  struck  the  river  there  is 
no  grass  nor  until  we  camped  above  I  am  told  it  is  fine  found 
no  appearance  of  buffaloe 

9th.  Made  due  W.  16  miles  striking  for  the  N.  side  of  it  a 
pretty  high  hill  and  struck  up  the  mountains  close  on  the  X.sideofit 
then  wound  into  the  mountains  in  a  S.  W.  course  finding  water 
several  times  and  cutting  a  divide  struck  a  small  thread  of  water 
at  5  mils  this  we  followed  3  miles  N.  W.  and  struck  a  pretty 
large  creek  which  we  followed  N.  N,  E.  i  mile  and  camped  just 
at  starting  killed  a  Bull  and  separated  from  Abbot  and  a  small 
party  of  trappers  accompanied  by  Antoine  Godin  whom  I  sent 
out  for  Beaver. 

loth.  Made  7  mils  down  the  creek  N.  X.  E.  to  Godins  river 
the  same  we  left  day  before  yesterday     then  N.  \V.  3  miles   then 


22S 


JOl'RNAL 


['^H5 


West  14  miles  today  saw  a  large  fire  in  the  mountains  on  our 
left     suppose  them  to  be  Diggers  keeping  for  safety  in   the   hills 

the  B*  ckfeet  trouble  them  even  here  saw  one  band  of  BufFoice 
cows  touay  killed  one  calf  the  party  I  parted  from  viz  Antoine 
anu  Abbot  are  before  us  on  this  river. 

nth.  Made  W.  9  miles  then  18  S  W  the  angle  of  the  ':wo 
courses  occurs  at  what  is  called  the  Spring  prairie  which  is  about 
ID  miles  over  in  the  center  of  which  there  are  three  tolerable 
Butes  these  Butes  when  you  approach  from  the  East  look  like 
three  but  when  from  the  West  show  but  as  two  this  day  killed 
an  old  Bull     very  strong 

12th  Moved  3  miles  up  the  creek  S.  W.  at  which  place  the 
creek  divides  into  about  equal  parts  the  one  going  south  I  took 
by  the  advice  of  one  who  said  he  had  passed  before  followed 
this  up  one  mile  and  a  branch  going  E  3  farther  another  E. 
4  miles  farther  looked  so  bad  camped  took  a  horsa  to  explore 
the  route  ^2  tnile  above  camp  the  stream  branches  the  right  at 
small  distance  heads  in  an  amphitheater  of  inaccessible  mountains 
followed  the  left  4  miles  S.  by  E.  and  this  also  heads  in  an  amphi- 
theater. We  drove  2  Bulls  before  us  which  we  killed  they  being 
unable  to  pass.  I  climbed  up  the  clefts  an[d]  in  passing  over  the 
snow  had  liked  to  have  been  killed  in  the  foUowl'.ig  manner  pas- 
sing over  some  snow  and  on  which  the  water  was  running  and  be- 
ing afraid  of  caving  in  I  missed  my  foothold  in  a  slipper^'  place 
and  went  gradually  sliding  down  to  a  precipice  but  succeeded  at 
last  in  averting  m)'  progress  to  destruction  by  catching  the  only 
stone  which  projected  above  the  icy  snow  I  however  reached  the 
summit  and  looked  into  another  defile  running  E.  like  the  one 
I  came  up.  Got  to  the  bottom  again  and  found  one  of  our  two 
mules  gone  and  being  in  want  of  meat  packed  the  other  with  part 
of  one  of  the  Bulls  r.nd  walked  barefoot  to  camp  during  L'le  night 
through  an  infernal  rough  rocky  prickly  Bruisy  swampy 
woody  hole. 

13th.  Moved  down  creek  back  to  the  commence  Ucnt  of  the 
vSouth  Fork  then  took  the  other  about  S.  W.  by  W.  at  two  miles 
up  a  creek  from  the  N.  forming  about  half  of  the  stream  then 
three  miles  farther  \\  here  the  rest  divides  into  two  parts  very  small 

passed  the  mountain  in  a  south  course  between  these  last  forks 
up  a  gentle  fine  trail  and  not  more  than  i  mile  to  the  top  then 
down  by  a  very  steep  bad  trail.  South  still  along  a  branch  of 
Malad  5  miles  to  tolerable  grass  and  camped  this  last  part  of  the 
route  about  the  worst  road  that  I  ever  passed. 

i4.th.  After  shoeing  some  horses  that  were  lamed  yesterday 
started  and  made  9  miles  S.  S.  W.  at  2  of  which  got  a  small 
creek  from  the  N.  E.  at  the  end  of  the  9  miles  got  a  fork  of 
about  equal  size  to  the  one  1  came  down  from  the  S.  W.  then 
made  S.  I^.  by  S.  10  miles  and  camped     got  a  creek  from  the   N. 


\i      J 


286] 


WYKTH'vS    vSKCOND     EXPEDITION. 


229 


he 


E.  at  2  miles  of  it  ai.d  at  7  one  from  the  S.  W.  Saw  no  game 
today  the  dusky  grouse  plenty  for  three  days  past  Horses 
much  knocked  up  with  sore  feet. 

15th.  After  crossing  the  stream  passed  up  a  ravine  S.  W.  to 
its  head  then  crossed  some  low  grassy  hills  and  at  12  miles  cross- 
ed a  small  creek  going  S.  E.  this  creek  forks  at  this  place  then  at 
two  miles  in  all  14  miles  S.  W.  crossed  another  which  we  follow- 
ed two  miles  S.  S.  E.  then  left  it  on  our  left  and  cut  a  pretty 
high  hill  4  miles  S.  S.  W.  and  came  dov>  .1  to  the  plain  of  Snake 
\^iver  then  3  miles  W.  to  a  creek  with  a  fine  bottom  but  no  water 
except  what  remains  in  little  pools,  but  excellent  grass  here  found 
two  lodges  of  Snake  Indians. 

1 6th.  Made  28  miles  W.  following  the  main  trail  which  is 
good  perfectly  level  and  distinct  except  in  one  place  where  it 
crosses  several  small  branches  which  in  the  spring  I  presume  are 
miry  which  occasions  the  traveller  to  go  in  no  particular  place 
during  this  days  march  I  observed  some  low  hills  on  the  South 
side  of  us  which  gradually  approach  and  at  this  camp  are  about  8 
miles  distant  bet  ween  us  and  them  a  little  river  appears  to  ru!i  to  the 
W.  which  I  am  in  hopes  is  Reeds  oiher  wise  called  Big  Woody. 
Toda}"^  the  travelling  was  fine  and  many  little  streams  of  water 
croL".s  the  trail  at  this  camp  which  is  on  a  very  small  thread  there 
commence  small  irregularities  just  enough  to  note  the  place. 

17th.  Made  20  miles  due  West  over  a  country  with  easy  Hills 
gcod  and  distinct  trail  and  often  water  in  very  little  streams. 
Country  mostly  burnt  out  by  the  Indians  who  have  passed  here 
lately  going  up  to  Buffaloe.  Killed  some  dusky  grouse  and  dug 
some  karaas  which  assisted  our  living  a  little  also  found  some 
choke  cherries  and  saw  one  Indian  at  a  distance  on  Horse  back 
who  fled. 

1 8th.  Made  over  a  liilly  country  12  miles  W.  until  we  passed 
a  high  stony  hill  then  bending  N.  W.  made  10  miles  more  over 
a  stony  Hilly  but  distinct  trail  with  not  much  water  saw  a  track 
of  a  Bull  made  this  morning  altho  there  is  very  little  old  signs  in 
this  section.  Campe<l  on  a  iiearly  dry  creek  rutniing  W.  today 
lost  2  Horses. 

19th.  Left  the  little  run  on  which  we  camped  last  night  going 
here  X.  X.  W.  on  our  right  and  put  out  as  near  as  I  could  judge 
W ,  ID  miles  the  first  three  over  a  divide  of  high  steep  hills 
then  taking  a  little  run  followed  it  out  of  the  worst  hills  along 
this  run  were  many  little  Indian  camps  we  then  left  it  and  went 
W.  X.  W.  15  miles  and  struck  Woody  River  in  cut  rocks  at  about 
7  miles  of  this  last  course  struck  the  run  on  which  we  camped 
last  night  at  Woody  we  saw  plenty  of  vSalmon  but  had  no  means 
of  catching  any  of  them  this  day  found  a  colt  in  the  Rush 
probably  left  by  the  Indians  on  which  I  mean  to  Breakfast  tomor- 
row morning  being  short  of  provant. 


230 


JOURNAL 


[287 


20th.  Followed  the  river  down  W.  by  N.  22  miles  in  the 
course  of  the  day  traded  of  some  Inds.  enough  salmon  for  a  lyunch 
and  consumed  the  remaining  provisions. 

2ist.  No  Breakfast.  Feel  very  much  purified  [?]  in  the  flesh. 
12  miles  down  the  creek  W.  at  noon  found  Indians  of  whom  we 
traded  enough  Salmon  with  a  dead  one  we  picked  up  in  the  brook 
and  a  few  birds  for  a  dinner  afterwards  traded  2  Bal[e]s  Salmon 
of  the  Inds. 

22nd.  Made  5  miles  W.  then  the  trail  cut  a  point  of  higher 
ground  of  about  2  miles  and  again  struck  the  river  and  crossed  it 

made  on  the  other  side  7  miles  W.     in  all  this  day  15  miles  W. 

23rd.  Made  West  9  miles  and  found  a  small  village  of  Snakes 
of  whom  we  could  only  trade  a  very  few  salmon  then  5  more 
in  all  14  miles  along  the  Big  Wood  W.  and  arrived  at  Snake  Riv- 
er which  we  forded  by  wetting  our  packs  a  little  here  we  found 
a  few  lodges  of  very  impudent  Pawnacks  of  whom  we  traded  a 
half  Bale  of  Salmon  afterward  4  miles  N.  along  the  W.  side  of 
Snake  River  and  camped  near  a  few  lodges  of  Inds. 

24th.  6  miles  N.  then  made  a  cut  off  N.  N.  W.  4  miles  to  R. 
Malheur  where  we  found  but  three  or  four  Indians  and  consequ- 
ently got  but  little  Salmon  and  consequently  may  starve  a  little 
between  this  and  Walla  Walla  afternoon  7  miles  N.  passing  not 
far  from  ihe  River.  I  had  forgot  to  note  that  on  Big  Wood  Riv- 
er the  Indians  attempted  to  steal  some  of  our  horses  but  the  horse 
guards  discovered  them  and  they  failed.  Scorpions  are  here  quite 
common  two  nights  since  I  was  just  about  laying  down  when  on 
my  Blkt  I  saw  something  move  I  folded  it  in  the  Blkt.  and  on 
carrying  it  to  the  fire  found  it  to  be  a  very  good  sized  scorpion. 
This  day  at  noon  parted  from  Richardson  and  S  men  to  go  up 
Malheur  and  other  creeks  to  trap  there  is  something  melancholy 
in  parting  with  men  with  whom  one  has  travelled  so  far  in  this 
uncertain  country.  Our  party  is  now  17  boys  Indians  literati 
and  all. 

25th.  This  days  march  was  in  many  different  courses  but  I 
average  them  at  22  miles  N.  W.  and  camped  just  before  where 
the  trail  finally  leaves  the  vSnake  river  and  at  the  same  camp  where 
I  overtook  two  years  since  my  men  who  without  orders  were  leav- 
ing I  he  country  while  I  was  up  Malheur  trapping.  Traded  this 
day  about  70  salmon  which  makes  a  tolerable  supply  of  provisions 
for  the  cut  to  Walla  Walla. 

26th.  Made  about  20  miles  in  about  a  N.  W.  direction  up 
Brule  lAst  night  lost  two  Horses  which  I  think  were  stolen  and 
today  two  more  gave  out.  I  now  think  of  leaving  two  men  be- 
hind to  bring  up  some  of  the  worst  animals  otherwise  I  fear  I 
shall  loose  many  of  them. 

27th.  After  leaving  Sunsburj'  and  Briggs  to  bring  up  the  worn 
out  horses  I  left  and  making  a  cut  ofl"  to  the  right  going  up  a 
ravine     across  another  and  down  a  third  came  again  upon   Brule, 


388] 


WYETH'vS    vSKCOND     KXPRDITION. 


331 


at  the  open  Prairie  and  camped  for  noon  at  the  upper  e  id  of  it  on 
a  little  run  and  cashed  24  bars  lead  and  18  Traps  ger  *ral  course 
N.  W.  14  miles  afternoon  9  miles  N.  W.  W.  foUowit  g  the  little 
creek  up  and  camped  on  a  little  prairie  near  the  h  id  of  it  of  about 
20  acres  here  there  is  two  trails  one  N.  \\\  the  other  N. 
the  N.  W.  one  I  shall  try. 

28th.  Here  taking  the  left  hand  trail  we  followed  it  12  miles 
N.  W.  when  it  disappeared  I  then  took  a  N.  course  and  at 
8  miics  came  on  Powder  River  which  we  followe<l  down  about  5 
miles  and  camped  this  afternoon  I  shall  go  out  to  see  where  the 
trail  crosses  the  river.  This  day  killed  an  antelope  and  a  Fawn 
and  saw  fresh  Elk  Track. 

29th.  Turned  up  the  creek  again  and  after  arriving  at  where 
we  first  struck  the  river  made  6  miles  \V.  by  N.  then  into  cut 
rocks  then  W.  N.  W.  4  miles  more  and  Nooned  on  a  little  water 
ill  a  ravine  during  the  forenoon  two  men  whom  I  had  left  behind 
with  the  ]X)or  animals  brough[t]  up  all  but  two  also  during  the 
forenoon  two  men  got  lost  and  our  hunter  got  lost  yesterday  all 
missing  tonight.  Afternoon  made  8  miles  N.  W.  and  camped  in 
cut  rocks  on  the  main  river  at  a  place  apparently  not  frequented 
either  by  Indians  or  whites  but  there  are  Salmon  here  but  we 
have  no  means  o^  catching  any  without  waiting  too  long.  I  think 
by  the  looks  there  are  Beaver  here  but  will  ascertain  in  the  morn- 
ing in  order  that  my  trip  here  may  not  be  entirely  lost. 

30th,  Made  8  mile^  up  the  creek  through  Cut  Rocks  during 
which  time  killed  one  Salmon  and  Tv;o  Otter  so  much  provisions 
atid  Nooned  on  the  Walla  Walla  trail  West  Fork  the  Fast  being 
the  one  I  descended  on  my  first  Tour  afternoon  made  N.  N.  W. 
on  the  Trail.  Here  plain  and  good  15  miles  at  5  of  which 
crossed  another  Fork  of  Powder  River  but  dry  at  5  more  a  little 
water  and  at  camp  a  little  and  but  a  little  country  rolling  and 
soil  goo<l.     At  our  camp  two  lodges  of  Kiuses 

31st.  Made  15,  liles  N.  N.  W.  good  soil  and  not  very  hilly 
and  nooned  at  the  v^irand  Ronde  where  I  found  some  Kiuse  Indi- 
ans, Capt  Bonneville  and  two  of  Mckays  men  and  learned  that 
Capt.  Stewart  and  Mr.  Lee  passeii  two  days  before.  Afternoon 
took  the  Walla  Walla  Trail  N.  N.  W.  12  miles  and  camped  at  a 
very  small  Prairie  with  a  little  stream  going  N.  W.  Killed  5  Hens 
today.     On  allowance  still. 

I  Sept.  After  about  5  miles  de[s]cended  a  very  bad  mountain 
and  followed  a  dry  creek  then  assended  another  )yid  mountain 
and  nooned  with  out  water  at  8  miles  of  \ery  bad  going  after- 
uooi:  making  along  a  ridge  of  mountain  16  miles  arrived  <it  the 
OttilliC?]  the  trail  plain  the  ground  stony  about  N.  W.  course 
but  indirect  so  far  from  the  Three  Butes  every  day  has  l)een 
thick  smoke  like  fog  enveloping  the  whole  country  last  night 
we  camped  at  10  nek  having  found  no  water  and  the  whole  coun- 


232 


JOIRNAL 


[289 


t'i 


try  burnt  as  black  as  my  Hat     affording  as  poor  a  prospect  for  a 
poor  sett  of  Horses  as  need  be. 

2nd.  Left  camp  behind  and  proceed  across  the  Utalla  River  to 
the  N.  and  up  a  mountain  then  took  a  slight  ravine  going  N.  W. 
and  crossing  several  trails  until  the  ravine  leads  to  a  dry  willowed 
creek  going  N.  E  with  a  little  water  in  puddles  then  N.  W.  up  a 
ravine  to  the  height  of  land  which  is  a  gentle  slope  then  leaving 
the  trail  and  goiv.g  a  few  Hundred  yards  to  the  left  followed  a  Dry 
ravine  to  the  Walla  Walla  River  22  miles  in  all  N.  W.  then 
down  the  Walla  Walla  W.  by  N.  10  miles  to  Fort  Walla  Walla 
where  I  found  Mr.  Pambrum  who  did  the  honors  of  the  Fort  in 
his  usual  handsome  stile  also  found  Caot.  Stewart  and  Mess  Lees 
who  arrived  two  days  since.  Mr.  Mckay  for  some  reason  remain- 
ed in  the  mountains. 

3rd.  Remained  at  Walla  W^iUa  this  day  and  made  arrange- 
ments for  going  down  at  night  Capt  Thing  and  the  residue  of 
the  party  came  up. 

4th.  In  morning  left  Walla  Walla  in  a  boat  hired  by  Capt. 
vStewart  after  proceeding  4  miles  obliged  to  come  to  land  to  tight- 
en the  canoe. 

5  6  7th.  Down  the  river  and  landed  to  Hire  canoes  at  the 
Dalles  for  the  party  still  behind. 

Sth.     Waiting  at  the  Dalles  for  party. 

9th.  Waitii'.g  at  same  place  party  arrived  at  night  with  news 
that  they  drowned  one  Horse  and  the  Jackass  in  crossing  the 
River     I  valued  him  more  than  10  horses  as  a  breeder. 

loth  At  noon  having  with  Difficulty  hired  three  canoes  start- 
ed down  the  river  with  three  Indians  on  board.  Wind  high  and 
.soon  increased  to  a  gale  swamped  one  of  the  canoes  which  fright- 
ed the  Indians  back.  Obliged  to  lay  by  with  two  of  the  canoes 
behind. 

Tith.  Walked  back  and  brot  up  the  two  canoes.  Gale  still 
furious  and  finding  that  raj'  people  were  not  good  boatsmen  enough 
Vo  follow  me  left  the  two  boats  in  charge  of  Capt.  Thing  and  at 
noon  put  ahead     made  about  10  miles  and  swamped  the  canoe, 

1 2th.     (jale  still  violent  and  canoe  so  leaky  as  to  require  one 
man  to  Bail  the  whole  time     kept  on  until  noon  and  camped   un- 
til night  when  it  calmed  and  we  put  ahead  and  made  to  the  Cas- 
cades    the  loar  of  w  liich  warned  me  to  camp.      Here  overtook 
Capt.  .Stewart. 

13th.  Made  our  boat  a  little  tighter  with  some  pitch  obtained 
of  Capt.  vStewart  and  made  the  portage  of  the  Ca.scade  carrying 
our  tilings  about  i  mile  and  letting  our  boat  down  with  ropes 
raining  hard  made  til  9  ock.  at  night  when  it  rained  so  liard  that 
that  with  the  leakage  we  could  keep  the  boat  free  of  water  no 
longer  and  put  ashore. 

14th.  At  2  ock  in  morning  cleared  up  a  little  and  we  put  oti 
hut  it  kept  drizzling     nt  9  ock.  made  llic  .Saw  mill  above  the  Fort 


iVi 


290] 


WYKTirS    vSRCONI)     IvXPKDITIOX. 


a.^S 


and  got  some  breakfast  not  having  eaten  since  noon  the  day  be- 
fore at  12  ock  arrived  at  Fort  Vancouver  where  I  found  Doct. 
McLaughlin  in  charge  who  received  us  in  his  usual  manner  he 
he  has  here  povi^er  and  uses  it  as  a  man  should  to  make  those 
about  him  and  those  who  come  in  contact  with  him  comfortable 
and  happy. 

15th.  Early  in  the  morning  having  hired  another  canoe  put 
ahead  and  in  a  rainy  day  at  about  1 2  ock.  met  the  Bg  May  Dacre 
in  full  sail  up  the  River  boarded  her  and  found  all  well  she  had 
put  into  Valparaiso  having  been  struck  by  Lightning  and  much 
damaged.  Capt  Lambert  was  well  and  brot  me  20  Sandwich  Is- 
landers and  2  Coopers  2  Smiths  and  a  Clerk. 

1 6th.  Kept  on  up  the  river  in  order  to  make  Fort  Vancouver 
and  pay  my  respects  to  Doct.  McLaughlin  but  the  wind  failed  and 
we  could  not. 

17th.  Took  the  gig  and  went  up  to  Tea  Prairie  to  see  about  a 
location  but  found  none. 

1 8th.  Came  on  board  and  put  down  the  river  for  Oak  point 
•where  we  mean  to  examine  for  a  location. 

19th.  Came  too  at  Carneans[?]  house  and  concluded  to  remain 
at  least  for  the  winter. 

20th.  After  setting  the  forges  at  work  and  commencing  a  coal 
kiln  houses  etc,  started  up  the  river  W'allammut  in  a  gig  the  gig 
followed  the  Wallamraut  t  mile  then  took  a  creek  to  the  right 
and  after  5  miles  came  to  the  farm  of  Mr,  Tliomas  Mckay.  where 
I  was  treated  with  great  kindness  by  LaBonte  his  foreman  and  of 
him  procured  horses  and  proce[elded  by  land  until  near  night  over 
hilly  wooded  country  near  night  came  out  into  large  plains  of  good 
lands  surrounded  with  good  timber  some  oak  and  overtook  Mess. 
Lees  who  had  started  the  daj'^  before  me  and   camped   with    them 

they  are  in  search  of  a  location. 

2 1  St.  Put  out  in  the  morning  days  travell  through  good  lands 
rolling  suflficient  and  assorted  timber  and  water.  At  3  ock.  came 
to  [and]  crossed  the  Wallamut  at  Duportes^^^  House  and  from  him  got 
fresh  Horses  and  proceed  up  on  the  K.  side  ot  the  river  to  Jervais 
10  miles. 

22nd.  Not  suiting  myself  as  to  a  farm  returned  to  Duportes 
and  went  lo  look  at  a  prairie  about  3  miles  below  his  place  and 
concluded  to  occupy  it  it  is  about  15  miles  long  7  w'ide  surrounded 
with  fine  timber  and  a  good  mill  stream  on  it.  2 2d  Laid  out  a 
farm    afternoon  took  a  canoe  and  de[s]cended  as  far  as  falls. 

23rcl.  Made  the  portage  of  the  falls  and  was  taken  violently 
sick  of  vomiting  and  purging  probably  caused  by  having  eaten 
some  Lamprey  Kels  recovered  toward  night  and  arrived  at  Fort 
\'ancou\-er  and  finished  an  arratigement  in  regard  to  trade. 

24th.     Went  down  the  river  to  the  vessel. 


Tliis  ti.'iiiK'  is  tjivoii  :is  "I )ii]):itty.s"  oil  tlio  map. 


234 


JOrRNAI. 


[291 


and 

the 
do. 


25th.     Making  preparation  for  sending  out  parties 

26th.  Do  &  sent  off  Sunsbury  to  trade  Horses 

at  the  Dalles.  Sent  Stout  up  the  Wallammut  with  2  men  and  im- 
plements to  commence  farm  and  started  myself  up  to  Vancouver 
on  buisness. 

28th.  Up  the  Wallamut  with  Mr.  Nuttall  and  Townsend 
Mr  Stout. 

29th.  Going  up  to  the  falls  and  went  a  small  distance  up 
Clackamas  River  to  look  at  a  spot  there  found  it  would  not 
Saw  there  a  chalk  formation 

30th.     Returning  down  the  rivers. 

31st.  At  night  reached  the  vessell  at  Carneans  from  this  time 
until  the  13th  Oct.  making  preparation  for  a  campaign  into  the 
Snake  country  and  arrived  on  the  1 3th  at  Vancouver  and  was  re- 
ceived with  great  attention  by  all  there 

14th.     Made  up  the  river  12  miles 

15th.         "      "     "  River  11  miles 

16th.         "      "     "  River  13  miles  to  the  Cascades. 

17,  18,  19  Delayed  by  strong  winds  and  making  portage  on 
the  last  day  at  night  sent  a  division  off  under  charge  of  Capt. 
Thing 

20,  21,  22nd.  Same  camp  with  nothing  to  eat  but  what  we 
catch  out  of  the  river  with  our  lines  not  liking  to  broach  our  stores 
for  the  voyage 

23rd.  At  sundown  our  boats  arrived  from  above  and  I  im- 
mediately started  up  the  river  we  pulled  all  night  except  stop- 
ping to  cook  at  midnight 

24th.  After  taking  breakfast  and  giving  the 
hours  sleep  we  put  up  the  river  with  a  head  wind 
chill 

25th.  Arrived  at  noon  at  the  Dalles  and  found  all  the  people 
well  and  but  one  horse  traded 

26th.  Started  Capt.  Thing  with  12  Kanackas  and  6  white? 
and  all  the  best  Horses 

27th.  Remained  at  same  camp  and  traded  5  Horses  at  about 
$5.00  of  goods  each 

28th.  vStarted  the  lioats  back  and  Hubbard  down  by  land  witli 
13  horses  for  the  farm 

29th.  &  30th.     Same  camp     traded  4  Horses. 

31  St.  Started  up  the  river  Xanackas  on  foot  for  want  of  Horses 
and  goods  on  miserably  poor  animals  To  the  7th  Nov.  moving 
slowly  up  the  river  during  which  time  and  before  traded  18  Horses 
and  600  lbs  dried  Salmon  which  I  have  reserved  for  provisions  af- 
ter we  leave  the  river  when  I  know  we  shall  get  none  and  hav- 
ing hired  a  canoe  tor  Walla  Walla  dispatched  her  with  ihis  salmon 

2  loads  of  traps  one  woman  one  Indian  and  two  whites  she 
sank  once  but  we  recovered  all  'uid  suffered  one  days  delay  only 
to  drj'  the  fish     we  have  lived  chiefly  on  trash  and   dogs    fearing 


Kanackas 
dav   raw 


two 
and 


i 


292] 


UYUTirS    vSRCON'I)     KXPEDITION. 


235 


to  commence  our  stock  of  provisions  expecting  to  get  little  or 
nothing  all  winter  and  I  do  not  mean  to  starve  except  when  I 
cant  help  it. 

8th.  Traded  one  Horse  a  few  drops  rain  today  and  for  more 
than  two  thirds  of  the  days  since  the  ist  of  the  month.  Kept 
along  the  river  traded  8  dogs  today  being  a  2  days  rations. 

9th.     Moved  along  the  River  Traded  i  dog  but  no^Horses. 

loth.  Left  camp  and  went  into  Walla  Walla  found  Mr.  Pam- 
brum  well  and  good  natured,  and  got  the  news  that  Capt.  Things 
1 2  Kanac[k]as  had  deserted  him  and  that  he  had  gone  in  search  of 
them  on  theii  trail. 

nth.  Went  to  Capt.  Things  camp  and  learned  from  Mr 
Baker  t  hat  the  Kanackas  had  taken  about  2  bales  of  goods  and  1 2 
horses  Returned  to  Walla  Walla  on  the  way  met  the  men  who 
went  with  Capt.  Thing  they  had  not  been  successfuU  dispatched 
an  interpreter  Mr,  Richardson  and  two  other  men  down  the  River 
in  a  canoe  to  head  the  fellows. 

1 2th.  Moved  camp  up  the  river  a  small  piece  for  grass  having 
crossed  yesterday  no  success  in  trading  horses  today  the  Indians  ap- 
pear to  think  their  fortunes  are  to  be  made  by  an  opposition  but 
thej'  will  find  their  mistake  today  got  word  that  the  Kanackas 
had  not  touched  the  Columbia  nor  passed  the  Utalla  River  and 
that  Richardson  had  got  a  party  of  Indians  to  accompany  him  and 
horses  and  had  taken  up  pursuit  on  land. 

13th.  Richardson  stil[l]  out  At  night  dispatched  4  men  after 
two  Kanackas  that  have  been  seen  by  the  Indians  about  15  miles 
below  Walla  Walla  on  the  main  river. 

14th.  Robinson  and  Richardsons  party  returned  with  110  suc- 
cess Robinson  had  seen  the  track  of  shod  Horses  withi?i  5  miles  of 
Walla  Walla 

15th.  At  ID  [o]ck  this  morning  dispatched  Richardson  and  Rob- 
inson with  two  men  to  trace  out  the  track  seen  by  Robinson. 
'*s^6\.\\.  An  Indian  brot  in  one  slod  Horse  which  had  been  taken 
by  the  Kanackas  he  found  it  at  ^  he  Utalla  River  and  brot  word 
that  there  saw  two  of  the  scamps  had  bot  a  canoe  and  gone  down 
leaving  on  [no?J  horse  except  fat  which  they  [the  Indians?]  took 
and  one  alive  which  he  brot  in 

17th.  Robinson  &  Richardson  Returned  no  news  yet  of  the  rest 
""  1 8th.  Finding  there  is  no  immediate  hope  of  getting  the  Kan- 
ackas I  today  dispatcii^d  Capt  Thing  to  Fort  Hall  having  i9[?] 
men  viz  4  Kanackas  10  white  men  and  himself  a  fur[?3  man  and 
three  Nez  Perces  19  in  all.  This  is  a  picked  up  lot  and  I  have 
great  fears  they  will  commit  Robber\'  and  desertion  to  a  greater 
extent  than  the  Kanackas  have  done  hut  I  was  obliged  to  trust  to 
the  chance  it  is  late  and  the  Blue  Mounts,  are  now  covered 
white  with  snow  altho  the  grass  is  green  here  within  30  miles  of 
them. 

lyth.     Went  up  the  Walla  Walla   River   about   7    mil[ejs  and 


236 


JOURNAT, 


293 


i] 


raised  a  deposit  of  goods  which  I  had  made  in  tlie  ground  there 
fearing  that  some  of  Capt.  Things  men  who  knew  where  it  was 
might  desert  and  raise  it  and  attempt  to  go  to  the  Spanish  Coun- 
try.    I  am  now  quite  sick  with  a  fever  hut  must  keep  doing. 

20th,  vSpent  the  day  arranging  packs  Tor  a  move  Weather 
clear  and  cold  with  much  hoar  frost  and  mist. 

2ist.     Deposited  the  spare  goods  on  hand  at  Walla  Walla   fort 

22nd.  Finished  arranging  for  moving  and  [have]  given  up  all 
the  Horses  still  missing  viz.  2. 

23rd.     Moved  down  the  Walla  Walla  River  and  camped  on  the 
Columbia  about  6  miles  below  the  Walla  Walla   taking   leave   on 
the  way  of  Mr.  Parabrun  the  gentleman  in  charge   of  the    fort 
vStill  not  well. 

24.  Moved  about  15  miles  down  the  Columbia  and  camped 
without  wood  night  quite  cold  near  some  bad  rapids  just  above 
the  mouth  of  the  Utalla  where  I  have  a  cash  of  traps  which  I  in- 
tend to  raise. 

25.  Moved  about  15  mil[e]s  down  the  river  and  camped  I  had 
forgot  to  mention  that  on  the  23rd  in  the  morning  when  I  was 
about  loading  the  horses  I  found  that  Ira  Long  a  sick  and  as  we 
have  supposed  crazy  Kanacka  was  missing  I  then  thought  that  he 
\vou[l]d  go  at  once  to  W^alla  Walla  but  do  not  hear  of  him  yet  I 
am  at  a  stand  to  make  up  my  mind  w[h]ether  he  went  out  of  camp 
and  died  suddenly  or  drowned  in  the  river  or  ran  off  what  he 
should  run  off  for  no  one  can  conceive  as  no  duty  had  been  required 
of  him  and  he  had  tea  and  other  luxurys  given  him  on  acct.  of  sick- 
ness that  iio  one  else  had  it  is  a  very  strange  affair  to  me.  To- 
day I  hear  that  one  of  the  two  Kanackas  who  went  down  the 
river  in  a  canoe  as  per  former  report  has  lieen  killed  for  killing 
horses  liy  the  Indians  other  reports  say  a  Kanacka  has  killed 
an  Indian.  I  also  hear  that  6  of  the  runaways  are  on  the  heads 
of  John  Days  River  the  whole  of  which  storys  I  take  to  be  lies 
invented  to  tell  me  in  the  hopes  of  a  small  present  of  tobacco. 
We  live  on  dogs  chietly     good  luck  traded  4  today. 

26lh.  Made  about  12  mils  down  the  river  and  during  the  day 
traded  a  young  fat  dog.  27th,      Moved  about   14.  mils  down 

the  river  traded  one  poor  little  dog  and  4  dried  salmon.  We  hear 
such  contardictory  and  impossible  accounts  from  the  Indians  of 
the  Kanackes  that  I  do  not  know  what  to  believe. 

2Sth.  Moved  down  the  River  15  miles  traded  nothing  all 
day  providentially  killed  one  goose  which  made  supper  and  break- 
fast for  5  of  us.  Snowed  a  little  this  day  and  of  course  not  much 
comfort  for  a  little  cold  and  wet  spoils  all  the  comfort  of  our  camps. 

29th.  16  mils  down  the  river  killed  nothing  traded  2  dogs 
and  some  little  deer  meat  dried.  Snowed  all  the  first  part  of  the 
day  and  uncomfortably  cold  rains  tonight  very  uncomfortable 
some  of  us  have  no  coats[?]  [tents?]     men  grumble. 


294] 


WYKTH'S    vSKCOND     KXrKDITION. 


237 


30th.  The  rain  of  last  night  chatiged  to  snow  and  this  morn- 
ing the  Earth  is  white  and  the  weather  cold  made  12  miles  and 
crossed  John  Days  River  then  3  more  along  the  main  River  and 
camped  with  nothing  but  grass  to  cook  our  supper. 

31st.  Made  today  1 2  miles  the  last  of  yesterdays  and  some 
of  todays  march  pretty  bad  travelling  for  the  horses  owing  to 
cut  rocks  camped  one  mile  up  the  river  of  falls  called  by  the 
French  "RevieudesShutes["J.  I  do  not  know  if  from  the  numerous 
rapids  of  this  river  or  its  proximity  to  the  great  falls  of  the  Col- 
umbia which  are  about  3  miles  below  its  mouth.  There  is  here  a 
a  small  villeage  of  Inds.  from  whom  I  understand  by  signs  that 
the  two  Kanackes  who  de[s]cended  the  river  stole  horses  here  or 
killed  Horses  and  in  some  wrangle  with  the  chief  concerning  it 
one  of  the  Kanackas  shot  him.  I  shall  be  sorr>-  if  this  is  true  as 
in  such  case  I  shall  be  obliged  to  make  a  signal  example  of  him 
both  in  order  to  quiet  the  Indians  and  prevent  their  rising  upon 
the  whites  and  as  a  terror  to  the  other  Kanackas. 

Dec.  ist  After  trading  4  dogs  and  a  few  salmon  and  rx>ts  and 
ascertained  that  there  was  no  ford  above  or  near  us  and  that  the 
road  lay  on  the  River  we  moved  camp  down  to  the  mouth  and 
and  crossed  at  a  rapid  and  tolerable  deep  ford  then  assended  the 
hill  by  a  ravine  and  descending  again  struck  a  good  sized  Beaver 
Creek  at  6  miles  due  South  while  on  the  divide  could  see  far 
ahead  of  a  drear>-  r.nowy  exposed  country  without  a  stick  of  tim- 
der  to  relieve  the  eye  except  far  in  the  distarce  a  black  looking 
mass  like  a  cloud  of  pine  timber. 

2nd.  Moved  camp  early  and  left  the  creek  on  which  we  camp- 
ed by  a  ravine  to  the  right  running  S.  S.  W.  followed  it  to  the 
height  of  land  then  down  a  ravine  to  the  creek  on  which  we 
camped  last  night  6  miles  foll[ow  ]ed  this  creek  3  miles  S.  S.  W 
the;]  S.  S.3C.  to  the  left  of  the  creek  by  a  ravine  5  more  and  camped 
We  here  find  some  little  oak  timber  traded  today  about  30  lbs. 
dried  deer  meat. 

3rd.  Mnde  16  mils  to  the  River  des  Shutes  S.  S.  K.  and 
camped  near  about  20  Lodges  of  Indians  had  to  buy  what  little 
wood  we  used  a  thing  I  mortally  detest  last  night  about  12  sett 
in  to  snow  before  morning  turned  to  rain  which  lasted  all  day 
the  coldest  I  ever  knew  and  blew  a  gale  in  our  teeth  this  has 
been  a  miserable  uncomfortable  day  the  first  part  of  it  we  assend- 
ed gradually  until  \\e  readied  a  high  ridge  then  de[s]cended 
suddenly  to  the  river  on  the  ridge  considerable  snow  and  the 
whole  country  covered  with  little  round  cones  of  earth  denoting 
that  the  winds  blow  over  this  divide  continually  and  strong. 
Grass  is  far  as  I  could  see  pretty  good. 

4th.  Moved  camp  S.  S.  W.  3  miles  and  camped  on  the  fork 
of  the  River  coming  from  timbered  hills  to  the  W.  N.  W,  We 
hear  that  the  two  Kanackas  have  been  followed  by  the  Indians 
and  killed  in  revenge  for  killing  one  of  them   and    their   Horses. 


wm 


338 


JOI'RNAI. 


['95 


'in- 


stil.    Same  camp  trying  to  trade  horses    get  none  j'ct. 

6th.     Same  camp 

7th.     vSame  camp 

8th.     S'  nie  camp 

gth.  Same  camp  During  all  this  time  traded  hut  one  Horse, 
Imt  fared  well  enough  for  food  as  we  obtained  as  many  dogs  as  we 
could  eat  during  the  time  Gully  my  Indian  having  lost  his  horse 
went  out  to  hunt  him  and  as  Iltelievr  with  a  determination  to  «[uit 
me  he  found  his  horse  and  sent  it  to  cam])  by  an  Indian  with  word  to 
send  his  things  with  some  trifling  excuse  but  I  kept  the  Horse  and 
things  the  Indian  whom  he  sent  said  he  would  go  and  take  the  Horse 
for  which  I  gave  him  a  flogging  and  he  went  oft'  during  this  time 
we  percussioned  3  Rifles  our  powder  being  so  ])adly  damaged 
as  to  render  flint  looks  useless.  In  this  vicinity  there  are  Klk  and 
Deer  as  we  trade  their  meat  and  skins  of  the  Inds.  in  small  quant- 
ities the  grass  here  is  good  and  here  I  cashed  some  goods  our  horses 
being  to[<il  j)oor  to  carrv  thetn  on. 

loth  Moved  but  without  our  guide  whom  I  had  engaged  who 
was  among  the  missing  when  we  started  and  I  suppose  engaged  only 
to  get  something  but  without  intending  to  start  W'e  took  a  S.  S. 
W  course  and  crossed  the  fork  on  which  we  had  camped  for  some 
days  past  and  after  mounting  the  lall  mountains  which  range 
along  this  fork  found  an  ext^:isivr  ,  Inn  lipyond  which  white  and 
high  rose  a  range  of  mourtain.s  disii  arieuing  to  look  at  but 
ahead  is  the  word  and  the  spirit    scenis  to  vaise  with  ll.c  occ:i>siot) 

this  range  runs  K.  &  \V.  made  this  day  1 1  miles  to  thr  foot 
of  the  range  along  which  is  a  small  stream[?|  heic  we  cashed 
some  provisio!.s  for  ot'.r  return  route  ami  sonic  loads  of  dry  goods 
which  our  horses  are  too  weak  to  carry. 

nth.  S.  S.  \\".  and  luounted  the  mountains  which  we  found 
much  less  formidable  th;m  they  appearv:d  to  be  the  earth  and  trees 
are  covered  with  a  heavy  hoar  frost  which  at  a  distance  made 
them  look  as  if  covere'l  deep  with  snow  of  which  there  was  but 
little  these  mountains  have  scattering  groups  of  jiine  tini'»er  and 
some  oak  and  the  little  pi  .ins  in  them  have  brown[?J  cedars  sim- 
ilar to  those  of  >.'.  1*^.  but  still  of  a  dilTprent  sort  but  yet  the  rob- 
ins in  considerable  number  feed  on  the  berries  which  reminded  me 
of  old  pleasures  and  home  where  I  have  often  been  out  to  shoot 
these  birds  from  the  lavingC?]  hut  these  are  too  ])ainful  to  b.'  in- 
dulged and  the  present  evil  is  enough  without  calJing  up  old  joys 
to  enhance  it  made  this  day  15  miles  a;ul  camped  o;;  snow  water 
with  good  pine  wood  day  cloudy  wind  X.  ]\.  and  cold  Saw 
the  first  elk  and  deer  sign  for  some  time  they  say  we  cai'",ot 
cross  the  divide  to  Clamat    but  I  will  go  as  tar  as  I  can. 

1 2th  Engaged  an  Indian  Guide  last  night  but  he  too  it  seems 
has  backed  out  as  I  cannot  find  him  this  morning  Madi-  one 
mile  down  the  ravine  in  which  we  camped  and  came  t(»  a  small 
creek  running   al)out    K.  then    assended  the  hills  and  after  5  mils 


196] 


wYimrs   si^coNi)   ivXI'kdittox. 


m 


came  t< » a  hirjjer  cn-ek  then  3  miles  more  where  the  trail  ^:xve  out ' hen 
courses  S.  S.  W.  then  struck  S.  by  K.  3  mils  and  crossed  a  small 
creek  this  and  the  last  ruunititj;  K  then  3  mils  more  and  amped 
on  a  dry  ravine  all  these  last  courses  S.  l)y  Iv  j>;rass  this  I'ar  pretty 
^ood  and  country  timbered  and  prettily  levell  today  with  small 
praiiies.     vSaw  much  Klk  and  Deer  signs  but  killed  none. 

13th  M  '  1e  5  miles  S.  by  IC.  over  level  timbered  with  small 
openings  country  and  came  to  a  crck  with  very  bad  cut  rock 
banks  at  least  400  feet  high  we  had  much  tlifllculty  in  getting 
our  horses  down  to  the  water  and  up  the  opposite  hank  but  suc- 
ceeded after  laming  several  of  our  horses  this  creek  is  rapid  tol- 
era])ly  larc!:e  and  runs  N.  IC.  we  then  made  3  miles  vS.  by  E. 
and  camped  the  snow  here  covers  the  ground  and  the  horses 
have  to  dig  for  their  food.  Saw  today  12  deer  and  a^ieat  uan- 
tity  of  IClk  and  Deer  sign  and  one  bear  track  after  camping 
went  out  t  )  hunt  but  cotild  kill  nothing  toda^^  the  first  clear  day 
for  lour'd.iys  the  fog  lifted  a  little  and  enabled  us  to  see  a  range 
of  snowy  rats  on  the  west  side  of  us  and  one  very  high  bearing  S. 
W.  •dLsi.>;it  about  25  miles  should  we  have  any  considerable  fail 
of  snow  now  we  should  loose  all  our  horses  the^  could  not  sub- 
sist with  much  iwotq  than  there  is  now  all  the  dog  meat  which 
we  have  brot  with  us  from  the  last  Inds.  is  done 
and  we  have  now  to  look  to  our  guns  to  supply  us 
or  eat  our  horses.  We  have  about  4  bushells  of  rice 
and  flour  in  camp  for  cases  of  extremity  atid  a  little  dog 
grease.  Small  game  there  is  none  we  have  but  10  lbs  of 
powder  along  and  that  damaged  Go  ahead  very  cold  for  the 
4  last  days. 

I4ih  Made  S.  1\.  4  miles  to  a  v^ry  small  creek  running  in  an 
immense  chasm  into  which  we  got  and  campe<l  the  gra.ss  being 
irood  ar.doar  liorses  having  had  nothing  last  night  except  what 
thev  dug  up  trom  beueaih  several  inches  of  snow  saw  many  deer 
today  but  killed  none  sent  our  hunters  out  after  champing  all 
but  one  relr.rned  empty  and  him  I  suppose  has  lost  1.  nself  in  the 
forests  as  I  heard  a  gun  late  at  night  and  returned  several  shots 
weather  still  quite  foggy  and  very  cold. 

15th  S.  K.  by  1{.  4  miles  and  down  the  ravine  the  snow  grow- 
ing less  and  less  visibly  in  this  direction  got  out  f  ,  he  woods 
and  saw  the  country  bare  (^f  snow  here  found  a  lodge  i>(  Indians 
who  have  32  Horses  traded  one  of  them  and  have  the  promise  of 
trading  two  1  ore  in  the  morning  the  man  missing  lasi  nigh[t] 
came  [in]  thi[s]  mug. 

i6th.  Traded  I  lie  1  vo  horses  one  of  which  cost  S;? '2  cents  of 
beads  first  cost-  Mac-  Iv.  down  the  ravine  2  mils  then  struck  a 
good  trail  crossing  the  ravine  and  going  ofFS.  S.  \V.  which  I  fol- 
lowed over  rocky  high  land  S  mils  and  came  to  a  very  large  creek 

I  should  think  it  must  be  at  least  one-half  of  the  River  Des 
Shutes  at  least  running  in  an  immense   chasm   into  which  we  de- 


340 


JOlRNAf. 


I.J97 


[slcciulcd  and  cumped  in  ^ood  j^rass  and  plenty  of  dry  wood 
which  makes  us  very  comfortable  for  the  tiip^ht  is  very  cold  dur- 
ing the  march  f>ver  the  hiph  land  saw  a  chain  of  mts  on  our  left 
and  the  other  side  of  the  river  while  with  stiow  and  partly  wooded. 

17th.  Went  lip  the  creek  W.  S.  W.  2  miles  when  it  turned 
south  and  we  forded  it  at  a  deep  ford  horses  suffered  mucii  from 
the  coldness  of  the  water  then  woutid  vS.  K.  up  the  opposite  bank 
of  the  river  very  hig;h  and  precipitous  2  miles  more  here  saw 
many  deer  killed  none  after  attaininj;  the  heigh [t]  made  H  miles 
S.  S.  W.  through  timber  and  snow  tlicn  vS.  vS.  IC.  4  miles  also 
through  timber  saw  several  places  where  deer  had  been  killed  by 
the  wolves  which  are  here  numerous  and  very  large  camped  at 
a  little  grass  the  first  seen  today  where  the  horses  can  dig  up  a 
little  food.  The  country  ahead  appears  more  open  we  have  now 
a  little  rice  to  eat  and  no  meat  begin  to  look  at  the  horses  still 
cold. 

i8th.  Made  S.  S.  K.  12  miles  to  a  small  creek  during  this 
days  march  a  snowy  range  of  high  mts.  in  points  lay  along  our 
right  and  front  stretching  so  that  our  course  today  just  doubles 
their  eastwardly  termination  at  a  place  where  probably  a  fork  of 
the  river  Des  Shutes  passes  this  range  runs  N.  E.  &  S.  W. 
still  farther  on  our  left  and  apparently  on  the  other  side  of  the 
same  river  there  is  ar.othcr  r.iiige  ru'i;:!;)'^  X.  bv  S.  today  saw  a 
very  great  amt.  of  sign  and  deer  and  have  concluded  to  stop  and 
hunt  tomorrow  and  rest  the  horses     lo';ighL  a  litlle  snow   sciiiall. 

19th.  vSame  camp  Went  out  hunting  killed  2  deer  and  several 
wolves  this  day  came  to  us  5  W'alla  Walla  Inds.  who  are  out 
hunting  they  camp  with  us  tonight  they  sav  tliat  the  game 
comes  down  from  the  mts.  in  the  winter  on  account  of  the  snows 
which  is  the  occasion  of  its  being  so  plenty  at  this  time  one 
man  out  of  camp  tonight  probably  lost  sliall  wait  tomorrow  tor 
him  if  he  does  not  come  in  the  meantime  and  take  another  hunt 
for  meat  which  is  now  (juite  a  luxury. 

20th.     Same  camp     killed  one  deer     found  the  lost  man 

2 1  St.  Made  vS.  S.  K.  15  miles  toward  the  eastwardly  termina- 
tion of  the  range  of  mts  which  has  for  some  time  beeti  visible 
on  our  right  at  this  point  we  can  see  no  mts.  but  a  little  farther 
on  the  left  they  commence  again  apparently  the  same  range  which 
we  have  seen  for  some  time  ranging  on  the  Iv  side  of  tliL'  river. 
Killed  no  game  today  but  saw  plenty. 

22nd.  S.  E.  by  E.  10  miles  and  struck  a  small  creek  which 
though  very  rapid  was  so  hard  froz?n  over  that  we  crossed  it  on 
the  ice  tlien  N.  E.  1^2  mil[ejs  and  came  to  a  very  large  creek 
which  I  take  to  be  the  main  river  it  is  about  as  large  as  the 
other  fork  which  we  crossed  on  the  17th  inst.  country  a  little 
more  broken  deer  plenty  but  killed  none  today  a  little  warmer 
than  .usual. 

23rd.     vStarted  up  the  river  E.  vS.  I\.  and  gradually  in  4  mil[e]s 


398] 


WYKTH'vS    vSKCOND     EXPEDITION 


Ui 


travel  rounded  to  a  S.  S.  W.  course  and  made  1 2  more  the  last  6 
of  which  the  snow  increased  in  such  a  manner  that  tonight  we 
find  no  grass  for  our  Horses  and  being  afraid  to  advance  with 
them  another  days  march  I  have  determined  to  send  them  back 
and  with  3  men  I  propose  to  build  canoes  and  assend  as  far  as  I 
can  and  ascertain  if  it  is  possible  to  get  the  horses  through  and 
if  so  to  send  back  for  them  and  if  not  to  ascertain  if  there  is  beaver 
and  if  so  trap  it  if  not  further  advance  [in]  this  quarter  is  useless. 
Tonight  set  in  to  snow  hard  but  soon  turned  to  rain. 

34th.  Snowed  and  rained  all  last  [night]  and  still  snowing 
with  a  gale  o<"  wind  from  S.  S.  W.  nearly  all  the  horses  gone 
astray  about  1 2  having  found  all  but  one  killed  a  poor  Horse 
for  food  and  sent  the  party  all  bnt  three  back  to  find  grass  for 
the  horses  cut  down  two  large  pines  and  commenced  two  canoes 
gale  all  day  with  occasional  snow  and  rain. 

25th.  Same  camp  gale  S.  S.  W.  Snow  and  rain  all  day  a 
miserable  Christmas     worked  what  little  we  could  on  the  canoes. 

26th.     Day  fair  and  calm     warm     go  ahead  making  canoes 


still  at  the  canoes 

still  at  the  canoes  and  eating 


Sick  with  indigestion 


27th.     Day  fair  calm  and  warm 

28th.     day  fair  calm  and  warm 
horse  meat 

29th.     Fair  weather  and  mild. 

30th.     Fair  weather  and  mild. 

31st.  Fair  weather  and  mild  all  so  far  South  wind  myself 
tietter  and  finished  the  canoes  and  horse  meat  at  the  same  time 
viz;  this  evening  at  supper  the  men  have  called  our  two  boats 
Black  Snake  &  Triton. 

1835  Jany  ist,  Started  in  the  morning  in  the  canoes  about  5 
miles  by  the  river  about  2  ]4  miles  due  south  and  came  to  a  rapid 
in  attempting  to  assend  which  got  filled  with  water  and  afterward 
in  towing  with  t>\  .'a  she  broke  loose  and  went  down  stream 
we  recovere'  her  'aUc  %  long  run  and  assended  again  to  the  rapid 
and  it  Vteiug  uia-  1  <jh  camped  killed  today  one  fine  fat  goose 
warm  soutl  v.'t;:d  rai  •  snow  deeper  as  we  proceed  and  is  now  about 
2  feet  "- irt ,y  roii'  s  and  covered  with  pines  set  4  traps  for 
beavei  i^v::;>  ;^\.X  i.r.i  in  hopes  to  have  one  for  breakfast. 

2nd.  Went  to  my  traps  found  r.othing  then  made  snow 
shoes  and  set  out  with  one  man  to  explore  the  river  took  a  due 
.south  course  and  in  3  or  4  miles  came  unexpectedly  to  the  river 
there  running  smooth.  I  was  happy  to  see  it  as  I  was  entirely 
tiredof  this  mode  of  travelling  my  shoes  were  too  small  and  I 
frequently  sunk  into  the  snow  and  [it]  bothered  me  much  to  get 
out  again  sometimes  I  would  tread  on  my  shoes  and  fall  down 
and  on  the  whole  I  though[tl  I  could  get  along  better  without 
them  returned  to  camp  killed  three  ducks  for  four  of  us  small 
allowance  with  our  men  took  our  boat  up  to  the  rapids  and 
spent  the  residue  of  the  day  in  getting  our  canoe  past  the  rapid 
most  of  the  time  up  to  my  middle  in  this  cold  water     had  to  make 


242 


JOl'RNAL 


[299 


a  portage  at  last  of  about  ^  o^  ^  ^^^<^  ^^^  river  here  makes  a 
detour  to  the  E.  and  around  S  to  west  to  the  place  where  we  take 
our  things  across. 

3rd.  Raised  my  traps  and  found  one  beaver  caught  the  large- 
est  I  ever  saw  I  think  he  weighed  65  lbs.  ai:d  killed  one  duck  a 
very  seasonable  su[)ply  of  food  the  residue  of  the  day  finished 
making  the  portage  and  sett  8  traps  the  other  Boat  also  got  :',et- 
ling  above  vSnow  today  and  rained  hard  last  night  nearly  all  night. 
Wind  Strong  N.  W.     the  lirst  wind  beside  S.  since  10  days. 

4th.  Found  but  one  beaver  in  our  traps  took  a  jaunt  up  the 
river  at  aixnit  6  miles  straight  line  vS.  the  river  forks  into  two 
apparently  equal  streams  followed  the  left  one  about  2  milsj^-.  by 
K.  and  returned  to  camp  ♦ired  enough  having  found  only  sign 
enough  in  this  distance  to  set  3  traps  the  river  winds  so  that  we 
have  to  paddle  twice  the  real  distance  rained  and  snowed  some 
during  the  day.  Saw  for  the  first  time  on  this  route  swans  they 
appear  plenty  here     country  still  timbered  but  mucli   mo"e   levc'l. 

5th.  Caught  3  Beaver  rained  and  snowed  hard  all  last  nig'  t 
and  part  of  today  raised  camp  and  cainped  about  2  miles  beioxv 
the  forks  mentioned  yesterday  one  of  the  beaver  caught  today 
would  weigh  I  should  think  70  lbs.  and  our  fries  look  finely  '.vltii 
sundry  roasting  sticks  around  full  of  meat  the  beaver  are  fat  and 
we  live  finely  again.     Wind  slro.ig  and  south. 

6th  Rained  all  the  forenoon  and  hail  and  snow  all  the  after- 
noon caught  no  beaver  saw  very  little  sign  heard  a  rapid  or 
fail  ahead  killed  2  swans  so  fat  that  we  could  not  eat  all  the 
grease  a  rare  thing  in  this  country  to  be  troubled  with  fat  vSeems 
good  to  live  well  after  poor  horse  meat  and  short  supply  Shall 
lay  down  the  course  tomorrow   when   1   get   it    more   accurately 

today  being  too  thick  to  see  and  the  river  more  winding  than 
ever  timber  less  plenty  and  very  small  and  but  little  of  t\w.  large 
kind  of  pine  country  as  lar  es  we  can  see  very  level  with  here 
and  there  a  rjund  conical  mountain. 

7th  Started  up  the  river  to  sett  traps  found  sign  for  but  one 
and  returned  to  camp  at  the  same  place  as  last  night  killed  one 
swan  which  w  ould  weigh  I  should  think  35   lbs.     too   fat   to   eat 

one  we  eat  yesterday  yielded  nearly  2  qts.  of  oil  more  than  we 
could  eat  with  it.  These  birds  are  delicious  it  is  strange  that 
one  only  does  two  of  us  two  meals  that  is  to  say  a  day.  They 
do:it  eat  so  in  the  states     day    i^retty   cold     wind    S.    W.    strong 

little  snow  tf)dav  and  some  sun  out  the  bed  of  the  river  is  a 
sott  white  stone  or  hard  clay  the  same  as  found  on    the   Clacamas 

I  think  it  is  of  the  chalk  formation. 

8th  Remained  all  day  at  same  camp  on  account  of  a  severe 
snow  storm  it  snowed  all  day  and  fell  about  one  foot  Blew  strong 
from  the  South  v/hich  is  almost  constant  wind  here. 

9th  went  down  the  river  and  raised  some  traps  we  had  set 
there  and  returned  to  same  camp     The  river  from  the  last  placc[tOj 


3oo] 


WVHTIfS    .SlvCONI)     KXPKDITIOX. 


243 


which  I  brought  it  runs  S.  K.  i  mile  at  which  point  a  fork  com- 
ing from  the  Eastward  but  it  was  frozen  up  so  we  could  not  as- 
seud  it     then  south  5  miles  to  this  camp. 

loth  Snowed  and  rained  all  last  night  hard  and  today  so  we 
are  blessed  with  about  S  inches  of  slush  makes  every  thing  very 
uncomfortable     did  not  move  camp. 

T  fth.  Last  n  ght  grew  cold  and  set  in  for  a  hard  snow  storm 
with  a  gale  of  wind  from  the  W.  S.  W.  which  continued  without 
intermission  until  sunset  today  so  we  did  not  move  camp  the 
cracking  of  the  falling  trees  and  the  howling  of  the  blast  was  more 
grand  than  comfortable  it  makes  two  individuals  feel  their  in- 
significance in  the  creation  to  be  seated  under  a  blankelt  with  a 
fire  in  front  and  3  'a-  feet  of  snow  about  theui  and  more  coming 
and  no  telling  when  it  will  stop,  tonight  tis  calm  and  nearly  full 
moon  it  .seems  to  shine  with  as  much  indifference  as  ihe  storms 
blow  and  w[h]ether  for  weal  or  woe,  we  two  poor  wretches  seem  to 
be  little  considered  in  the  matter.  The  thov^hts  that  have  run 
through  my  brain  while  I  have  been  lying  here  in  the  snow  would 
lill  a  volume  and  of  such  matter  as  was  never  put  into  one,  ray  in- 
fancy, my  youth,  audits  friends  and  faults,  ray  manhoods  troubl- 
ed stream,  its  vagaries,  its  aloes  mixed  with  the  gall  of  bitterness 
and  its  results  viz  under  a  blankett  hundreds  perhaps  thousands 
of  miles  from  a  friend,  the  Blast  howling  about,  and  smothered  in 
snow,  poor,  in  debt,  doing  nothing  to  get  out  of  it,  despised  for 
a  visionary,  nearly  nakci,  but  there  is  one  good  thing  plenty  to 
eat     health  atid  heart. 

1 2th.  Started  up  stream  and  made  vS.  6  miles  at  which  point 
there  is  a  considerable  creek  coming  in  from  W.  vS.  W..  water  as 
warm  as  the  main  river  and  not  frozen  up.  Then  3  miles  S.  S. 
K.  and  camped.  Saw  but  little  beaver  sign  today  river  not  very 
rapid  but  winding  saw  otdy  two  swans  could  not  kill  them 
caught  one  yearling  beaver  spit  snow  all  day  at  night  set  in  to 
snow  hard     moderately  cold  wind  S.  but  moderate. 

13th  6  miles  W.  by  N.  creek  very  winding  and  more  rapid 
than  usual  and  camped  just  below  a  severe  rapid  fine  sun  in  the 
forenoon  but  cloudy  and  snow  spits  in  tho  afternoon  and  this 
evening. 

14th  Snowed  al»'.<ut  .|  inches  last  night.  Today  pretty  cold 
passed  the  nund  on  the  south  side  of  the  south  >  hannel  there  be- 
ivig  a  small  island  at  this  place  just  above  the  island  there  is  a 
raft  of  drift  timber  wliich  extends  across  the  whole  river  this  we 
made  a  portage  of  for  about  6  rods  at  the  rapid  I  hauled  the 
canoe  wading  in  the  water  about  waste  deep  and  remaining  in  it 
about  3  hours  and  got  quite  numb  but  at  last  got  through  with  it 

we  then  assended  the  river  3  niik  s  more  in  go(xi  water  but  very 
winding  S.  W.  to  make  which  1  think  we  paddled  8  miles  to 
another  rapid  not  sevt-re  rinding  that  it  would  take  some  time 
and  being  obliged  to  r.>tjr:i  to  camp  soon  concluded    not    to   pass 


244 


JOURNAL 


[30 1 


this  rapid  and  returned  to  the  first   rapid   and   set   6  traps    day 
windy  frrm  S.  \V.  and  some  snow  and  sunshine. 

15th.  Last  night  excessively  cold  the  cracking  of  the  trees 
kept  me  awake  part  of  the  night  and  night  before  1  was  kept  up 
most  of  the  night  by  a  fever  arising  from  indigestion  today 
cold  calm  and  clear  as  the  sun  got  high  it  was  extremely  pleas- 
ant and  this  is  the  only  day  I  have  seen  that  would  pass  for  a 
pleasant  one  in  a  good  climate  this  winter  went  to  the  traps 
found  nothing  decended  the  rapid  after  another  cold  job  in  the 
water  and  returned  to  our  camp  of  the  13th  inst  on  the  way 
down  saw  5  swan  the  first  since  the  1 2th  but  killed  nothing  but  3 
ducks  We  are  getting  short  of  provisions  again  at  evening  very 
cold  again. 

1 6th  Started  down  the  stream  and  made  the  portage  of  ihe 
falls  about  one  hour  after  sunset  last  night  the  ther.  must  have 
been  10  below  zero  and  the  river  scum  over  with  drift  ice  which 
made  us  make  haste  for  if  we  should  get  frozen  up  here  it  would 
be  hard  times  for  food  the  water  fowl  and  beaver  would  be  done 
and  other  game  there  is  absolutely  none  and  to  travel  would  be 
almost  impossible  there  is  four  feet  of  snow  however  we  could 
try  snow  shoes.  Killed  4  ducks  and  one  swan  today  the  latter 
would  weigh  at  least  45  lbs.  a  very  seasonable  supply  as  all  our 
food  gave  oitt  this  morning.  Day  calm  sunny  not  very  cold 
tonight  strong  south  wind  and  rain. 

17th  Moved  camp  down  stream  about  a  mile  and  found  our 
other  boat  with  Mr.  Richardson  &  Rob[in  json  the  latter  during 
the  severe  cold  had  frozen  his  toes  and  fingers  and  the  former  was 
unwell  with  a  numbness  in  his  hips  they  reported  to  me  that  the 
beaver  on  this  creek  had  made  them  sick  probably  this  was  what 
was  the  matter  with  me  there  is  plenty  of  wild  parsnip  here 
they  raised  camp  with  us  and  we  stopped  the  canoes  where  we 
built  them  and  made  a  portage  of  ^  of  a  mile  this  severe 
work  in  deep  snow  we  then  decended  about  3  miles  and  came  to 
rapids  part  of  which  we  let  our  boats  over  by  the  line  in  about  yi 
mile  more  came  to  worse  rapids  and  made  a  portage  of  about  }ii 
mile  then  immediately  let  the  boats  down  further  rapids  about 
100  rods  to  do  which  I  had  to  remain  in  the  water  the  whole 
time  it  was  after  dark  when  I  got  through  the  other  boat  got 
nearly  through  and  gave  it  up  and  I  suppose  have  camped  with- 
out fire  or  food.  The  river  falls  at  each  of  these  carrying  places 
at  least  50  feet     Rained  most  all  day. 

1 8th.  Went  up  above  the  last  rapid  to  see  the  other  boat 
fouiui  them  comfortably  camped  they  mide  a  portage  of  their 
things  and  I  at*etjapted  to  run  their  boat  empty  just  as  I  took 
the  vShute  the  low  struck  a  rock  I  did  not  see  she  swung  round 
filled  at  once  and  commenced  whirling  over  like  a  top  I  hung  to 
her  and  passed  without  further  damage  than  mashing  both  of 
my  feet  severely  between  the  boat  atid  a  rock     was  in  much  pain 


^ 


>Oi 


wvETH'vS   skc(jM)    i-:xpi;i)rn(>N 


HI 


all  this  day  hut  not  very  lame  we  run  by  the  river  about  two 
miles  and  passed  some  bad  rapids  then  made  a  portage  of  about  a 
'4  mile  into  a  slew  of  the  river  which  we  followed  about  '4  ri^il^ 
further  then  were  forced  to  make  a  bad  jiortage  up  a  steep  l)ank 
of  lava  about  100  feet  this  portaj^e  about  ^'^  mile  we  Ihen  ""an 
about  two  miles  further  and  camped  snow  here  not  so  deep  as 
above  and  apparently  diminishing  fast  men  much  tired  and  dis- 
couraged and  wish  to  abandon  the  canoes  which  I  do  not  mean 
to  do  until  I  am  obliged  to  cashed  at  the  first  jKirtage  today  22 
traps     good  weather  today. 

19th.  vStarted  down  stream  and  ran  a  continuous  rapid  for 
about  2  miles  we  let  our  boats  down  aVwut  '4  mile  then  crossed 
the  river  and  let  the  boats  down  a  few  rods  and  finding  the  river 
was  pretty  much  all  rapids  and  falls  concluded  to  abandon  the 
boats  cashed  all  l)ut  our  blanket '-  l)ooks  amunition  axe  and  ket- 
tles and  took  it  on  foot  with  about  60  lbs  each  on  our  backs  and 
I  foot  of  hard  snow  into  which  we  sank  sometimes  and  sometimes 
not  it  however  diminished  as  we  proceeded  we  made  about  6 
miles  and  saw  plenty  of  deer  and  camped  killed  one  which  was 
just  in  time  as  a  little  piece  of  swan  was  all  the  meat  left  in  camp. 

I  am  very  tired  [and]  hungry  but  the  deer  will  cure  all  this  there  is 
little  snow  at  this  ])lace  ctiv  cam,)  I  think  can  not  be  far  off  on 
the  other  side  oi  the  river  I  can  see  a  grassy  plain  of  about  30 
miles  long  and  about  5  wide  bare  of  snow  snowed  a  little  this 
morning     day  fine     tonight  freezing  a  little. 

20th  Started  late  sore  footed  but  with  a  full  l)elly  and  anad- 
dirion  of  about  20  lbs  meat  each  we  made  about  6  miles  and  pass- 
ed our  camp  of  the  22nd  and  23rd  ult.  about  i  mile  further  we 
crossed  a  s  nail  fork  the  one  we  before  crossed  on  the  ice  then 
S.  2  miles  and  camped  and  tried  liard  for  a  doer  but  could  not  get 
one  altlio  wc  saw  a  great  many  da\  fine  this  evening  cool 
grass  not  mu(^h  covered  with  snov.'     see  no  sign  of  camp  yet. 

2tst.  Made  2  miles  X.  to  the  river  and  camped  took  a  turn 
down  the  river  about  5  miL-s  to  look  for  some  sign    of  our  camp 

found  a  little  Indian  sign  of  about  the  same  age  but  nothing  of 
our  people.  Afternoon  went  out  to  a  higii  hill  to  the  \V.  and 
made  a  large  pile  of  brush  and  after  dark  set  fire  to  it  in  order 
that  if  our  people  arc  rear  that  they  may  see  it  and   come    to    us 

sent  a  man  over  the  river  to  look  but  he  could  not  cross  but  he 
saw  one  of  their  camps   shall  go  tomorrow  and  ascertain  il  it  so 
killed  nothing  today  so  we  shall  have  no  breakfast  in  the  morning 

day  fine  tfilerable  cool  1  inch  of  snow  last  night  which  went 
off"  today. 

22nd.  vSnnwed  part  of  list  night  and  rained  the  residue  and 
the  tbrenoon  of  today  snow  the  rest  and  part  o^  the  night  in 
morning  our  hunter  went  out  and  wounded  a  deer  which  the 
wolves  r<\\\  down  but  before  he  could  find  him  they  had  eaten  up 
all  but  enough  for  2  meals     this  morning  breakfasted  on  two  beav- 


246 


JOrRXAI. 


^ 


er  tails  which  I  had  laid  by  and  forgotten  so  we  have  not  yet  on 
this  trip  lost  a  meal  as  yet  myself  in  the  morning  made  a  raft 
and  endeavored  to  cross  the  river  but  Anind  I  had  selected  a  bad 
place  and  could  not  do  it  went  above  found  a  better  place 
made  another  raft  and  succeeded  found  one  of  our  camjis  so  we 
now  have  some  clew  to  camp  and  shall  push  for  it  after  getting  a 
small  supply  of  meat  beforehand  whid  strong  southwardly  camp- 
ed this  night  in  a  cave  of  the  rocks  .'le  mile  S.  of  last  nights 
camp. 

23rd     Moved  down  to  camp  of  22nd  inst  and  went  out  to  hunt 

killed  nothing  myself  but  Mr  Richardson  killed  a  fawn  so  we 
have  2  meals  ahead  besides  two  nights  supper  Mr  R.  is  sick  of  a 
bad  cold  in  his  chest  and  some  biles  on  his  neck  and  cannot  carr\- 
his  ])ack     Rained  steady  all  day. 

24th  Made  12  miles  N.  by  W.  and  using  what  looked  like  a 
fine  ford  1  tried  to  wade  the  river  but  at  first  failed  went  a  little 
lower  and  succeeded  and  got  back  safe  but  l)enumbed  with  cold 
and  after  warming  myself  at  a  fire  which  the  rest  had  built  took 
my  things  across  and  built  a  roaring  fire  to  warm  tue  others,  as 
they  came  over  here  found  some  beaver  cuttings  saw  but  little 
deer  or  sign  today     cold  wind  \V.     cloudy     snow  nearly  gone. 

25th.  Made  10  miles  X.  and  seenig  a  little  deer  sign  stopped 
and  our  hunter  went  out  during  the  marcli  we  heard  a  gun  on 
the  west  side  of  the  river  we  fired  guns  and  were  answered 
toward  night  a  little  Snake  Indian  came  to  us  and  induced  us  to 
go  to  their  camp  which  was  among  the  cedars  about  5  miles  X. 
H.  we  found  them  without  meat  but  we  bought  of  tliem  a  lean 
dog  of  which  we  made  supper  and  enough  left  for  breakfast  so  tis 
rub  and  go.  there  were  three  lodges  they  had  no  guns  but  had 
killed  much  deer  as  proved  by  the  number  i»f  skins  they  had 
last  night  and  this  forenoon  snowed  about  5  inches  today  rained  and 
melted  most  of  it  no  water  except  snow  and  iliat  dirty  at  this 
camp. 

26th  I'nder  the  guidance  of  a  Snake  Indian  we  struck  X.  W. 
to  the  river  7  miles  and  forded  it  at  a  rapid  and  waist  deep  ford 
then  W.  by  X.  4  miles  and  came  to  S  lodges  of  Snakes  here  our 
guide  I  suppose  heard  that  our  camp  had  moved  and  backed  out 
of  his  job  by  rutniisig  away  we  then  struck  X.  W.  S  miles  and 
came  to  the  small  river  on  which  we  [camped]  the  i8th  19th  and 
20th  ulto  here  we  saw  one  Indian  who  ran  from  us  who  appear- 
ed to  be  a  Snake,  while  we  were  debating  which  course  to  pur.'ue 
we  espied  4  Indians  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  creek  these  we 
spoke  and  they  Informed  us  where  our  camp  was  and  one  of  them 
took  my  pack  to  it  they  had  killed  several  deer  but  we  thought 
to  get  to  camp  and  did  not  take  any  we  made  from  the  creek  X. 
X.  W.  up  a  very  steep  high  h^ll  5  miles  and  coming  very  dark  we 
catnped  for  the  first  time  this  trip  without  supper  and  n.v  «.  (.;  out 
l^laiiketts  and  tired  enough. 


304l 


\vvi:Tirs    sia'ONi)    icxpi-ditiox. 


27111  (lot  up  atul  having  no  breakfast  to  cook  or  eat  started 
the  earlier  and  moved  N.  X.  \V.  :i  mil<^s  and  the  rest  refused  to  go 
further  preferring  to  wail  until  .;ome  chance  Indian  should  come 
along  hunting  to  take  them  the  right  way  to  camp  I  having  no 
pack  started  in  quest  of  it  and  pa:;sing  the  X.  X.  W .  course  in  i 
y]>  mile  found  it  on  a  little  thread  of  water  running  X.  and  deep 
snow  during  the  time  we  had  been  gone  they  had  killed  20  deer 
and  had  not  starved  the  Walla  Walla  Indians  are  here  hunting. 
They  go  out  on  their  horses  and  run  them  and  as  the  deer  get 
tired  the  Inds.  get  go(Kl  shots  at  them  but  the  number  wounded 
is  much  greater  than  that  killed  on  these  the  wolves  feast  at 
night  and  keep  up  a  continual  howl  after  these  last  comes  the 
ravens  for  their  share  I  found  missing  from  yesterday  6  horses 
among  which  was  my  two  fitie  riding  horses  rnd  three  others 
which  have  been  stolen  l)y  the  Snakes  who  are  up  to  this  kind  oi 
dealing     today  sent  men  to  look  for  the  6  and  they  l)rot   but    one 

day  fine  for  any  country  and  warm     tonight  freezing  cold. 

28th  Sent  out  two  men  again  for  the  5  missing  horses  and  aft- 
er finding  the  residue  which  not  until  noon  started  X.  by  W.  and 
after  12  miles  struck  the  old  trail  on  which  I  came  up  about  6 
miles  from  our  camp  of  16  &  17  day  very  fine  nothing  to  eat 
tonight  but  a  little  flour  cam]).?d  on  a  little  stream  made  I))-  the 
thawing  of  the  snow. 

29Th  Rose  early  a!id  without  any  breakfast  started  down  the 
valley  on  which  we  camped  last  night  which  joins  a  large  fork  of 
the  Des  Shutes  in  about  3  miles  from  this  and  leaving  the  old 
trail  on  which  I  came  up  to  the  left  madeX.  X.  H.  2  miles  then 
leaving  the  valle}'  to  the  left  made  i  'a  miles  X.  K.  then  going 
dovvn  a  very  steep  and  high  cut  rock  bank  K.  i  mile  crossed  the 
large  fork  of  the  Des  Shutes  about  2  miles  below  ray  camp  of  the 
1 6th  and  17th  ulto.  this  ford  is  deeper  and  more  rapid  than  the 
one  I  made  before  possibly  the  stream  is  higher  on  account  of 
the  thawing  of  the  snow  We  are  camped  with  al)0ut  12  lodges 
oi  Walla  Wallas  they  have  at  this  moment  a  good  supply  of 
meat  deer  which  they  are  drying  I  presume  they  have  not  often 
.so  much  on  hand  as  they  seem  to  value  it  highly  on  my  arrival 
I  made  the  chief  a  good  present  to  induce  him  to  influence  his 
people  to  trade  but  as  yet  have  traded  of  root  and  meat  but  aliout 
y  days  supply  I  intend  waiting  here  three  nights  in  order  that 
they  make  another  hunt  and  then  perhaps  I  may  get  a  sufiicient 
.supply  to  take  me  down.  Tomorrow  is  Sunday  and  there  will  be 
neither  trading  nor  hunting  in  this  camp  this  is  my  birthday  but 
I  have  forgotten  how  old  I  am 

30th  This  unless  m>-  reconing  is  wrong  is  vSunday  at  day 
dawn  the  chief  called  the  Inds.  to  prayers  which  consist  of  a 
short  recitation  followed  l)y  a  tune  in  which  all  join  without 
words  after  which  a  note  in  accord  to  wind  off  this  is  repeated 
:-,everal  times  on  vSunday  and  is  a  dayly  practice     at   daylight    to- 


24S 


.IdrRVAI. 


I  ,V\i 


day  tlu^  two  men  sent  for  the  horses  came  in  and  brought  4  2  of 
which  were  ray  riding  horses  this  day  warm  as  June  in  N. 
Iv  and  no  snow  in  this  valley. 

31st  The  Inds.  commence  their  meal  with  religious  ceremonys 
and  then  come  and  beg  a  smoke  the  day  is  also  closed  with 
religious  ceremonies  traded  about  2  days  provisions  of  the  Indians 

day  fine  as  summer  and  the  grass  begins  to  start  a  little 

F'eb.  ist  Started  [from?]  camp  early  and  made  8  miles  X.  by  K. 
over  a  trail  which  we  followed  the  latter  part  of  the  16  ulto.  I  then 
laid  the  .^ourse  S.  S.  W.  to  make  our  camp  of  the  16  ik  17  which 
was  about  i  mile  above  our  last  nights  camp  traded  today  about 
2  days  provisions  looked  at  the  rocks  a  little  and  as  the  country 
has  been  the  same  as  far  as  I  have  been  a  description  of  the  bluffs 
here  v.ill  answer  for  the  whole.  There  are  some  cut  blufs  of 
Basalt  in  its  original  position  but  they  are  chieflj'  a  very  coarse 
smd  stone  of  an  ash  color  in  layers  some  of  which  are  finer  and 
some  coarser  it  is  soft  and  is  composed  of  rubble  stone  of  lava 
and  primitive  rocks  it  sometimes  contains  organic  remains  bones 
I  have  taken  out  of  it  in  £.  fos[s]il  state  a  small  piece  of  which  I 
have  preserved  Today  cloudy  and  on  the  high  land  over  which 
we  came  today  it  was  quite  chilly  but  in  the  vallej*  of  the  Small 
creek  on  which  we  are  camjied  it  is  warm  latter  p;irt  of  the  day 
sunny. 

2nd  Moved  camp  X.  by  K.  H  miles  over  a  plain  and  pretty 
gocxl  trail  leaving  entirely  the  route  which  I  followed  coming  up 

the  Indians  killed  some  deer  grass  aopears  bettv  r  day  cloudy 
or  foggy  until  about  noon  when  the  sun  came  out  like  April  in 
X.  E.    ' 

3rd  This  day  the  Indians  concluded  not  to  move  camp  I 
therefore  requested  the  chief  to  call  on  his  people  to  come  and 
trade  meat  they  traded  about  6  days  provisions  and  I  left  them 
following  the  trail  N.  by  E.  <S  miles  to  a  creek  wnich  we  crossed 
in  our  march  of  the  1 2th  u[i]to.  the  Banks  of  this  creek  is  of 
fine  deep  red  clay  and  at  this  camp  there  is  a  hot  spring  too  hot 
to  bear  the  hand  in  long  and  smoking  like  a  coal  pit  it  tastes  of 
sulphur  and  iron  and  deposits  a  whitish  substance  on  the  pebbles 
as  it  dries  away  we  hear  for  tlie  first  time  this  setison  the  croak- 
ing of  the  frogs  trail  good,  grass  good,  day  cloudy  and  chill. 
Ther  in  spring  191'" 

4tli.  iCarly  in  mng.  took  my  thermometer  to  ascertain  the 
heat  of  the  spring  found  it  to  be  134"  and  took  a  good  bath  by 
going  a  little  distance  down  the  stream  to  find  a  suitable  tempera- 
ture and  this  first  time  for  a  long  while  feel  myself  pretty  clean, 
rose  camp  and  crossed  the  little  stream  on  which  we  camped  and 
leaving  the  Indian  trail  struck  X.  X.  E.  and  in  6  miles  came  to 
the  main  river  Des  Shutes  along  which  we  found  a  small  trail 
we  made  4  miles  X.  and  caaiped  during  this  distance  the  river 
could  be  run  by  a  good  boatman  but  it  is  almost  a  continued  rapid 


,^o6] 


WYKTirS     SKCON'I)     HXPKDITIOX. 


24y 


the  rocks  of  this  inarch  appear  to  l>e  all  shades  lx;t\veen  green 
and  red  similar  to  the  earth  it  appears  by  being  porous  to  be 
volcanic  the  first  course  of  the  march  ver^'  miry  the  last  firm 
and  pretty  good,  grass  improving,  day  cloudy  in  morning  sunny 
this  afternoon.     Saw  much  Big  Horn  and  deer  sign  by   the   way. 

5th  Made  along  the  river  i  mile  N.  then  west  2  miles  up  a 
mountain  then  N.  i  mile  and  down  a  ravine  then  K.  N.  E. 
2  miles  to  the  main  river  again  and  down  a  ravine  then  7  miles 
X.  by  E.  along  the  main  river  ai;d  camped  trail  plain  all  the 
way  but  very  hilly  and  stony  grass  good,  day  at  first  cloudy  and 
on  the  mountain  much  hoar  frost  in  afternoon  sunny  the 
upper  part  of  the  mountain  was  of  mica  slate  very  much  twist- 
ed this  afternoon  the  rock  was  volcanic  and  in  some  places  un- 
derlaid with  green  clay  Saw  today  small  holders  of  a  blackrock 
which  from  its  fracture  I  took  to  b«  bituminous  coal  but  its  weight 
was  about  that  of  hornblende  perhaps  it  might  be  Obsidian  but 
I  think  was  heavier  than  any  I  have  ever  seen  river  all  this  days 
march  might  be  nm  if  there  is  no  bad  place  where  I  cut  the 
mcmntaiu    saw  Big  Horn  trails  but  not  the  game. 

>Sth  Made  along  the  river  4  miles  N.  by  W.  during  which 
space  saw  nothing  that  might  not  be  passed  by  a  good  boatman 
then  mounted  the  \V.  bank  of  the  river  and  came  to  a  large  cedar 
plan  3  miles  N.  by  W.  then  N.  by  E.  over  the  plain  6  miles 
more  to  tinkers  camp  in  crossing  at  this  camp  wet  my  cases  witli 
all  my  paper:  by  a  horse  falling  in  the  river  while  fording  day 
cloudy  with  a  little  snow  found  this  branch  some  higher  than 
when  I  passed  up  here  we  found  and  raised  a  small  cash  which 
I  made  on  my  way  up  and  during  the  march  sent  two  men  to 
raise  another  which  I  made  at  the  next  camp  above  from  these 
Indians  I  hear  that  [of]  my  runaway  Kanackas  10  took  the  trail 
over  the  Blue  one  was  drowned  in  crossing  some  ford  one 
froze  in  the  upper  country  that  the  residue  rafted  the  Snake  riv- 
er one  more  died  somehow  about  the  falls  that  7  are  gone  down 
to  Vancouver  tonight  traded  8  dogs  for  their  fat  to  kill  the  lice 
on  my  horses. 

7th     Early  in  the  day  the  two  men  sent  to  raise  the  cash  came 
in  with  its  contents  undamaged     exchanged  at  1  his  camp   a 
little,  lame,  mare  for  a  tolerable  horse  in  pretty  good  order 
ed  for  a  knife  each  6  dogs  today     used  the  grease  of  these 
to  kill  the  lice  on  my  horses  that  are  nearly  covered  with    them 
day  cloudy  but  not  cold  in  the  valley   Mount  Hood  bears  j,4  point 
N.  of  N.  W.     sick  myself  of  a  bowell  complaint     cashed  at  this 
camp  I  yi  bales  corn  and  7  setts  shoes  and  nails. 

8th  N.  N.  W.  16  miles  in  the  first  place  2  miles  to  the  top 
of  an  elevated  range  of  woodless  hills  which  skirt  the  west  side 
of  the  creek  on  which  we  camped  then  down  the  slope  of  these 
hills  4  miles  more  during  this  space  much  sni)w  then  struck  in- 
to a  little  creek  which  we  followed  6  miles  then  uj)  the  left    bank 


poor 
trad- 
dogs 


iSo 


JO  URN  A  I, 


|3'>7 


of  this  creek  to  another  and  hxrger  fork  of  the  ^ame  4  miles  and 
camped  in  good  grass  This  creek  comes  from  the  S.  W.  and  is 
now  as  large  as  the  small  creek  on  which  I  camped  the  lirst  night 
after  leaving  the  mouth  of  the  river  I)es  Shntes  on  my  way  up 
there  are  several  Indians  with  me  who  say  that  once  there  was 
much  beaver  on  this  creek  but  that  the  British  Cos  have  trapped 
it  out     day  cloudy     a  tew  drops  of  rain. 

9th  ^'^oved  camp  early  on  a  plain  and  good  trail  N.  N.  W.  10 
miles  to  the  Dalls  after  following  on  this  trail  3  miles  we  came 
to  a  small  creek  coming  from  the  \V.  vS.  W.  and  joining  the  one 
on  which  we  camped  last  night  and  at  5  miles  more  another  which 
either  joins  the  same  very  near  the  Columbia  or  goes  into  the 
Columbia  found  vSoaptillyi?]  and  a  few  more  Chinooks  at  the 
river  of  whom  I  traded  one  horse  and  a  canoe  they  report  7 
Canackas  gone  down  and  tliat  one  was  drowned  at  the  falls  and 
one  froze  in  the  mountains  leaving  one  unaccounted  for  rained  a 
little  today. 

loth  Started  early  in  a  very  leaky  canoe  which  kept  us])ailing 
all  the  time  and  made  S  miles  N.  W.  5  W.  and  3.  S.  W.  i  west 
and  on  account  of  high  witid  camped  aliout  noon  a  little  rain  as 
usual. 

nth  At  about  sunsett  last  niglit  the  wind  lulled  a  little  and 
we  made  a  start  but  the  wind  contiiuied  high  and  aoout  2  ock  we 
arrived  at  the  Cascades  a  little  above  which  we  camped  this 
morning  v/ent  to  the  Cascades  and  there  found  Mr  Ermalinger 
with  a  brigade  of  3  boats  taking  up  the  outlils  for  the  upper  forts  also 
Capt.  Stewart  Mr  Ray  and  one  more  gentleman  made  the  port- 
age and  in  12  hours  made  the  saw  mill. 

T2th  In  the  morning  made  to  Vancouver  and  found  there  a 
polite  reception  and  tomy  greatastonishraeiit  Mr  HallJ.Kell[e]y 
he  came  in  Co.  with  Mr  Young  from  Monte  El  Rey  and  it  is  said 
stole  between  them  a  bunch  of  Horses  Kell[e]y  is  not  received  at 
the  Fort  on  this  account  as  a  geiitleman  a  house  is  given  him 
and  food  sent  him  from  the  Gov.  Table  but  lie  is  not  suffered  to 
mess  here  I  also  found  7  of  my  runaway  Kanackas  they  appear 
to  be  very  sick  of  their  job  so  I  have  concluded  not  to  be  severe 
with  them  I  hear  also  that  Fort  Hall  iias  traded  300  skins  up  to 
v.'hat  time  do  not  know  or  how  true  also  that  Tom  Bule  & 
Harry  two  more  of  the  runaways  arc  v>'ith  some  of  McKays  men 
on  Snake  River     tliey  will  probably  fall  in  at  Fort  Hall 

13th  Went  down  to  the  station  at  Carneaus[?]  and  found  all 
well  and  doing  pretty  well.  This  is  Sunday  and  I  liave  lost  3 
days  somewhere.  During  the  residue  of  this  montli  sent  Mr 
Richardson  to  the  Dalles  with  supplies  for  the  party  which  I  left 
above  trapping  he  had  tempestuous  weatlier  and  was  gone  13 
days  myself  took  a  trip  up  the  Wallanint  to  look  i-'t^r  the  farm 
and  mv  tavlor  who    had    deserted    me   during    the    winter     after 


30«1 


wvi-vni's   siccoxi)    icxiM':i)rn()N'. 


251 


Richardson  had  jrone  I  look  a  small  catioe  and  ])roceeded  up  the 
Columbia  and  in  my  jiroRress  got  iilled  with  the  violence  of  the 
wind  and  quant  ty  ot  rain  I  arrived  at  \'ancouver  in  the  morn- 
ing 23rd  Feb.  a  id  met  a  reception  such  as  one  loves  to  find  in 
such  a  country  as  this 

24th  vStarted  down  tlie  Columbia  to  the  moutli  of  the  W'alla- 
mut  up  which  about  4  miles  to  the  head  of  Wappatoo  Islands 
here  finding  the  canoe  to  deep  to  proceed  against  the  rajiid  cur- 
rent of  this  river  now  very  high  we  ]Mit  down  the  west  slew 
and  crossed  over  the  first  bank  of  the  river  into  the  waters  back 
and  went  to  the  Farm  of  Mr  Thomas  McKay  and  procured 
horses  and  went  b>-  land  this  took  us  all  of  the  25  &  26  l)oth 
of  whicli  days  it  rained  hard  all  the  littie  streams  made  us  swim 
our  horses  and  some  of  the  open  prairies  were  swimming  and 
much  of  them  wading  at  tiight  of  the  26th  arrived  at  vSandy 
camp     just  above  which  I  had  i:)egun  a  farm. 

27th  Went  to  the  farm  and  found  the  Taylor  and  Sloat  the 
foreman  gone  down  to  see  me  they  having    heard   of  my   return 

during  the  day  went  up  to  Mr  Lees  place  in  order  to  get  liab- 
liste  to  school  wiih  him  in  which  I  succeeded 

2Sth     returned  to  Camp  Sandy     rain  today 

29th     vStarted  for  McKay  Farm  during  a  hard  rain  and  snow 

30th     Arrived  at  McKays  farm 

31st  Hack  to  station  at  Carneaus  [?]  place  and  here  found  mj' 
runaway  'I'aylor 

Marcli  ist  From  this  time  until  the  8th  employed  him  In  get 
ting  out  coopers  stuif  and  timber  for  a  house  boat  which  I  intend 
to  Iniild. 

Apl  13th  vSunday  I  suppose  employed  in  getting  out  stuff 
for  the  house  boat  iti  ciUting  8000  hoop  poles  and  in  building  a 
canoe  60  feel  long  wide  and  deep  enough  to  chamber  barrells  of 
whicli  she  will  take  25  she  is  clean  of  knolls  shakes  and  almost 
of  sap  and  27  feet  cut  off  the  same  tree  of  the  same  kind    of  stuff 

the  whole  tree  was  242  feet  long  and  this  oy  no  means  the 
largest  tree  on  Wappatoo  Island  this  is  of  the  Spruce  kind  to- 
day I  am  on  my  way  down  to  Fon  W' illiam  where  the  Brig  lay  to 
regulate  matters  there  I  havejust  yjarted  from  Mr  McLaughlin  Esq. 
on  his  way  to  view  the  Fallatlen  [Tualaliii}plains  I  suppose  with  some 
idea  of  making  him  u  farm  there  some  day  I  have  now  out  of  21 
people  7  sick  and  little  work  can  be  done  after  deducting  from 
the  remainii'g  14  a  provision  boat  to  trade  food  and  enough  to 
lake  care  of  the  sick  up  to  the  first  of  this  mouth  it  rained  con- 
tinually and  about  J4  of  the  time  since  I  find  the  plows  which  I 
brought  Irom  the  States  of  no  use  in  the  new  lands  here  no  news 
as  vet  from  Bg.  or  Capt  Thing  So  far  with  much  exertion  we 
provided  ours'^Ivcs  with  food  but  the  whites  in  this  country  are 
ochausled  of  all  kinds. 


r ,  '4 


COPY  OK  A  LKTTICR  AND   A    vSTATKMF.XT   OV  FACTS 

PKRTAININO  TO  A    CLAIM     IJASI-J)    UPON 

OPKRATIONvS  INVOLVIvI)  IN  THK 

TWO    IvXPKDiTlONvS. 


Ciiml).    Dec   i^ih    1847 
Dear  vSii , 

The  papers  herewith  enclosed  are  in  continuation  of 
of  the  subject  brought  to  your  notice  in  my  letter  of  the  5th  of 
April  last  which  was  accompanied  b>  copy  of  statements  relating 
to  claims  of  John  McLoughlin  Es(i.,formerly  chief  Factor  in  charge 
of  the  H.  B.  Co's  western  district  comprising  all  the  territories  oc- 
cupied by  that  Co  west  of  the  Rocky  Mts.  but  who  has  since  re- 
tired from  their  service,  and  resides  at  Oregon  City.  This  state- 
ment or  memorial  was  dated  previous  to  the  late  treaty  of  Ixjund- 
ary  with  Great  Britian,  and  under  the  impression  that  his  rights 
would  be  subjected  to  the  capricious  justice  of  the  new  settlers 
who  had  then  formed  a  provisional  government.  I  conceive  that 
^he  said  treaty  fully  .secures  his  rights,  or  should  they  not  be 
secureCi  by  the  treaty,  you  will  oblige  me  by  securing  them  so  far 
as  in  your  power.  I  have  placed  the  copy  of  his  memorial  as 
above  stated  in  your  hands  for  this  purpose.  At  this  time  I  shall 
confine  myself  to  my  own  interests  in  Oregon. 

Having  gone  to  Oregon  in  march  1832  for  purposes  recognized 
by  the  convention  then  existing  between  the  U.  S.  &  O.  B, 
having  formed  establishments  there  of  the  same  character  and  for 
the  same  purposes,  as  those  formed  previously  by  the  N.  W.  & 
Hudson's  Bay  Cos.  having  maintained  one  of  the  .same  through 
tenant  to  the  present  time,  and  having  after  two  expeditions,  ac- 
companied by  much  suffering  and  expenditure  of  five  years  time, 
and  more  than  $20,000  in  money,  establi.shed  the  nucleus  of  the 
present  American  settlement  in  these  regions,  I  ask  the  American 
government  to  place  ray  ititerests  in  that  coiuitry  on  as  favorable 
a  basis,  as  the  treaty  of  boundary  places  those  of  British  subjects 
whose  pos[s]es.sions  are  of  the  same  character.  The  recommendation 
of  the  President  would  benefit  only  actual  settlers,  and  would  en- 
tirely exclude  me.  It  seems  to  me  a  law  might  be  passed  consist- 
ent with  justice,  granting  a  preemption  to  all  Americans  who  have 
ever  resided  in  Oregon,  and  who  occupied  land  there,  and  con- 
tinued to  hold  the  san*^  either  directly  or  by  agents  or  tenants,  to 


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[VI 


the  absolute  extent  of  the  property  SO  occupied,  as  it  was  at  the 
period  of  the  organization  of  the  provisional  government  of  Oregon. 
And  to  all  Americans  actual  settlers,  occupying  lands  after  the  or- 
ganization of  said  provisional  government,  and  until  the  extension 
of  the  laws  of  the  U.  S.  over  th;;  territory,  a  preemption  to  all  the 
lands  so  occupied  not  exceeding  one  square  mile. 

I  do  not  believe  a  law  mainly  such  as  proposed  alx)ve  would 
benefit  a  single  American  except  myself.  I  do  not  know  one  other 
who  has  occupied  more  than  a  mile  square,  while  there  are  sev- 
eral British  subjects  who  have  done  so,  and  whose  claims  are  all 
secured  by  the  treaty  whether  large  or  small.  And  unless  some 
such  law  is  passed  it  appears  to  me  that  I  am  to  l^e  stripped  of  all 
my  rights,  and  that  the  great  sacrifices  I  have  made  will  inure  to 
the  the  benefit  of  all  concerned  except  myself.  That  you  may  bet- 
ter understand  wh\  I  desire  some  protection  Irom  the  government 
I  herewithsenda  statement  of  facts  No.  i,  and  a  petition  to  Congress 
No  2.     I  remain  Verv  Respectfully 

Yr*  obt  Svt. 

Xathl  J.  Wyelh. 

To  Hon.  J.  G.  Palfrey,  M.  C. 


f 


(Statement  of  facts  No.  i) 

On  the  loth  day  of  March  1832  I  left  Boston  in  a  vessel  with  20 
men  for  Baltimore  where  I  was  joined  by  four  more,  and  on  the 
27th  left  by  Rail  Road  for  Frederic  Md  from  thence  to  Brownsville 
v.e  marched  en  foot,  and  took  passage  from  that  place  to  Liberty 
Mo.  on  various  steamboats,  which  place  we  left  for  the  prairies  on 
the  1 2th  of  May  with  21  men,  three  having  d'^serted,  and  on  the 
27th  of  May  three  more  deserted.  On  the  8th  of  July  we  reached 
Pierre's  Hole  at  the  head  of  Lewis  River  where  was  then  a  rendez- 
vous of  Trappers  and  Indians.  We  remained  at  this  place  until 
the  17th  at  which  time  my  party  had  been  reduced  by  desertion 
and  dismissial  to  1 1  men, and  the;i  started  for  the  Columbia  arriv- 
ing at  Cape  Disappointment  01  the  8th  Nov.  1832,  one  man 
having  died  on  the  route.  There  I  learned  that  a  vessel  on 
which  I  relied  for  supplies  had  been  wrecked  at  the  Society  Is- 
lands. This  intelligence  discouraged  the  party  so  much  that  all 
but  two  requested  a  discharge.  Of  the  8  who  then  left  me  5  re- 
turned to  the  U.  S.  by  sea,  one  died  there  in  1834  and  two  re- 
mained as  settlers.  In  the  Spring  of  1833 1  commenced  my  return 
to  the  states  with  the  two  remaining  men.  When  I  reached  the 
mouth  of  the  Yellowstone  one  left  me  to  remain  with  some  of  the 
trappers  until  I  should  return.  With  the  other  I  reached  the 
States,  and  soon  after  fitted  out  a  vessel  for  the  Columbia,  and  on 
the  7th  Feb.  1834  left  Boston  for  St.  I,ouis  where  I  organised  a 
party  of  70  men  for  the  overland  trip  arriving  at  the  head  waters 


3 'a] 


AND    ST  A  TK. Ml-:  NT 


aS5 


li 


of  the  Snake  or  Lewis  river  in  July  1834,  and  on  Ihe  15th  of  that 
month  commenced  to  hnild  Kort  Hall,  and  after  placing  it  in  a 
defensive  condition  left  it  on  the  7th  August  follo\vi:ij^  for  the 
mouth  of  the  Columbia.  On  the  15th  of  Sept.  I  reached  Oak 
Point  75  miles  from  its  mouth  where  I  met  my  vessel  just  arrived 
after  a  voyage  of  8  )<j  months,  having;  been  struck  by  lightening 
at  sea  and  so  injured  as  to  be  oblij^ed  to  go  into  Valparaiso  to  re- 
pair. This  vessel  was  fitted  for  th^  salmon  fishing  of  that  season. 
Her  late  arrival  caused  me  to  detain  her  until  the  following  year. 
During  the  winter  of  1835  this  ver^elweut  to  the  Sandwich  Islands 
with  timber  &  card  returned  in  the  Fpring  with  cat  lie  sheep  goats  & 
hogs  which  were  placed  on  Wappatoo  Island  where  in  the  mean 
time  I  had  built  an  estaL.ishment called  Fort  William  011  the  south- 
westerly side  of  the  island  and  about  8  miles  from  the  H.  B.  Go's 
post  of  V^ancouver.  At  this  post  we  grazed  all  the  animals  ob- 
tained from  the  Islands  California  and  from  the  Indians,  planted 
wheat  corn  potatoes  peas  l)eans  turnips,  grafted  &  planted  ap- 
ples and  other  fruits,  l)uilt  dwelling  house  a^id  shops  for  working 
ii.  ,1  and  wood,  and  in  fact  m?de  a  permanent  location  which  has 
never  been  abandoned.  I  made  this  my  personal  residence  dur- 
ing the  Winter  and  Summer  of  1835.  In  the  autumn  of  that 
year  I  proceeded  to  Fart  Hall  with  supplies,  having  sent  some 
previous  to  that  time.  During  the  winter  of  1836  I  resided  at 
tny  post  of  Fort  Hall,  and  in  the  Spring  of  that  year  returned  to 
Fort  William  of  Wappatoo  Island  whence  I  carried  more  sup- 
plies to  Fort  Hall  arrivitig  there  the  i8th  June,  and  on  the  25th 
left  lor  the  U.  S.  by  way  of  Taos  and  the  Arkansas  river  and  ar- 
rived home  early  in  the  Autumn  of  1836,  The  commercial  dis- 
tress of  that  time  precluded  the  further  prosecution  of  our  enter- 
prise, that  so  far  had  yielded  little  'out  misfortunes.  It  remained 
only  to  close  the  active  business  which  was  done  by  paying  every 
debt,  and  returning  every  man  who  desired,  to  the  place  whence 
he  was  taken,  and  disposing  of  the  property  to  the  best  advantage. 
All  the  property  in  the  interior  including  Fort  Hall  '.»'as  sold,  it 
being  necessary  in  order  to  retain  that  post,  to  keep  up  a  garrison 
for  its  defense  against  the  Indians,  and  to  forward  animal  supplies 
to  it,  an  operation  at  that  time  beyond  our  means.  Fort  William 
at  Wappatoo  Island  requiring  nothing  of  that  kind  was  retained, 
and  the  gentleman  then  in  charge  Mr  C.  M.  Walker  was  directed 
to  lease  it  to  some  trusty  person  for  15  years  unless  sooner  reclaim- 
ed. Nothing  having  been  heard  from  Mr  Walker  for  a  lotig  time 
I  sent  a  request  to  John  McLaughlin  Esq.  for  the  same  purpose 
and  also  to  have  th«  island  entered  in  my  name  at  the  land  office 
established  by  the  tjrovi.sional  government.  That  the  original  en- 
terprise contemplated  a  permanent  occupation  is  clearly  shown  by 
the  instiuctions  to  the  master  of  the  brig  Capt  Lambert  When  I 
arrived  on  the  lower  Columbia  in  the  Autumn  of  1832  as  her[e]in 
before  stated  there  were  no  Americans  there  nor  any  one   having 


256 


l.ETTKR 


l3«3 


an  American  leeling.  So  far  as  I  know  there  had  not  beeji  since 
Mr.  Astor  retired  from  the  coasl\.  Of  the  1 1  men  which  I  had 
then  with  me  three  remained  until  I  again  arrived  in  the  Autumn 
of  1834  and  19  of  those  who  ihen  accompanied  me  including  the 
missionaries  remained  permanently  in  the  countrj'. 

NathlJ.  Wyeth 


1313 

not  been  since 
which   I   had 

in  the  Autumn 
including  the 

yeth 


INDEX. 


Abbot,  Wiggin,  letter  to  him  as  an  em- 
ployee of  the  author,  7o;93:  placed 
in  charge  of  animals  purchased  for 
second  expedition,  98;  letter  to 
containing  terms  of  contract  with 
author,  99;  130,  131,  178,  183-4 

Allison  and  Anderson,  lettei  to  giving 
directions  for  shipment  of  goods 
purchased  at  Louisville,  lai 

American  Fur  Company  (Dripps  and 
Fontenelle)  69,  74,  158,  159.  204-5. 
210-8 

Ashley,  William  H.,  38,  account  of  his 
earlier  operations  as  a  fur-trader. 
73-4 

Attack,  Indians,  158,  159-60 

B 

Bache,  Theo.,  letter  to,  in  which  plan 
of  first  expedition  is  given  in 
fullest  detail  20-21;  Leonard  Wyeth 
instructed  to  write  to  him,  46;  let- 
ter to  rontaini'jg  instructions  for 
joining  the  expedition,  46-7 

Baker,  J.  and  Son,  38;  arrangement  to 
send  g^oods  home  in  their  vessels, 
48;their  vessel,  the  Sultana,  bound 
to  the  Columbia,  56;  letter  to  des- 
cribing conditions  of  Salmon  trade 
in  the  Columbia  and  giving  list  of 
British  posts.  6o-i;  letter  to  with 
information  about  commercial  op- 
peratioiis  by  the  English  on  the 
North  Pacinc  coast,  80;  letter  to 
containing  statistics  on  the  fur- 
trader  at  St.  Louis,  84 

Ball,  John,  letter  to  giving  information 
about  joining  the  first  expedition 
36-7;  for  meeting  the  expedition 
at  Baltimore,  47;  about  trunks  and 
letters  forwarded  from  Boston  to 
him  at  Vancouver,  68;  letters  by 
90;  communication  with,  115 

Baptiste,  59,  128,  136,  218-9 

Bell,  letters  of  80-1;  analysis  of  letters 


written  to  S.  K.   Livermore,  85-0 

Bemte,  Jas.,  177-8 

Blackfeet  Indians,  190-202 

Black  Hills,  156-7 

Boardman,  William  H.,  38:  letter  to 
containing  list  of  English  posts 
and  vessels,  61;  letter  to  forward- 
ing letters  from  Capt.  McNeil,  73; 
letter  to  containing  report  of  the 
commerical  operations  of  the  Eng- 
lish on  the  north  Pacific  coast,  80 

Bonneville,  letter  to  containing  propo- 
sition for  mutual  hunt,  58-60;  the 
proposed  hunt,  65;  his  operations 
as  a  fnr-trader,  69-70;  his  opera- 
tions, 73-4;  letter  to  making  ar- 
rangements to  meet  Indians  in 
trade,  141-2,  202-5,  225-6,  231 

Bradenbur|fh[?J,  Jno.,  letter  to  about 
goods  in  transit  at  Balti:nore,  116; 
letter  to  giving  directions  for  for- 
warding letters,  120 
Bridger,  74 

Brown,  James,  proposed  business  rela- 
tions with,  47;  letter  to  arranging 
for  funds.  50;  letter  to  with  same 
purpose,  123;  a  letter  of  friendship 
mainly,  136;  letter  to  giving  sum- 
mar;-  of  state  of  affairs  at  its  date, 
144;  a  letter  of  friendship,  150-1 
British  Posts,  (see  English   posts  and 

vessels) 
Bugles,  25,  31 


W.  and  Co.,  (Ken)  120, 


Can,  A.  &  G. 

124 

Cass,  Lewis,  17;  letter  to  asking  what  as- 
surance can  be  given  to  gentlemen 
and  servants  of  Hudson's  Bay  Co. 
in  making  a  settlement  on  the  Wil- 
lamette River,  92-3 
Cerri  (Cerry),  68,  73,  200 
"Chimney  or  Eik  Brick,"  155,223 
Clark's  river  (Flathead),  189-95 
Colon Jzp.tion  Society,  i,  3,  5,   6,   8,  9, 


258 


INDEX 


[315 


II,  12,   17-18 

Columbia,  150,  173-6 
Colorado,  157-9 

Contract,  failure  to  fulfil,  134-5 
Cripps,  George,  letter  to  in   reply 
proposal  to  join  ecpedition,  27 


to 


'    I 


Dana,  Samuel  L..  letter  of  thanks  to 
for  review  of  Jno.  Wyeth's  book, 
104 

Davenport  and  Byron,  letter  to  plac- 
ing onler  for  traps,  39-40;  letter  to 
concerning  financial  transaction, 
41;  letter  to  placing  an  order  for 
goods  for  Indian  trade,  42;  letters 
relating  to  settlement  of  trans- 
actions, 45 

Desertions.  157 

Devin,  David,  used  as  a  reference,    15 

Distances,  table  of,  219 

Douglas,  David,  180-1 


English  occupation  of  the  Pacific- 
Northwest,  78 
English  posts  and  vessels,  61, 80 
Ermatinger,  (Hermatinger)  Francis.  56 
letter  to  describing  conditions  at 
rendezvous  on  Green  River  in 
i833,*69,  79;   letter  of  friendship 

to,  i4o-'i  »8o-'.  200 

Expedition8,iFirst,  statements  regard- 
ing, 2;inquirie8 regarding,  3;  inde- 
pendent expedition  resolved  upon 
and  plan  explained,  4*.  plan  ex- 
plained to  Charles  VVyeth,  6-8;  ex- 
plained^to  Leonard  Wyeth,  9-10 

Everett,  Hon,  Edward,  letter  to  offer- 
ing services  in  obtaining  informa- 
tion for  government— proposed  ex- 
pedition also  explained,  12-13;  let- 
ter to  having  reference  to  matter 
broached  in  former  letter,*  con- 
taining inquiry  about  license 
needed  for  the  expedition,  also 
some  comment  on  the  accompany- 
ing petition  from  the  colonization 
society,  17-18 


Farm,  144.  HS 

Fenno,  James  W.,  letter  to  reporting 
conditions  confronting  the  author 
in  the  Rockv  mountains,  second 
expedition,  133-4;  letter  to  giving 
some  details  in  progress  of  expe<li- 
tion  and  referring  to  matters  of 
mutual  interest,  143  4 


Fitzpatr.c,  Thomas  (Pitzpatric,  Sublet- 
te .ind  Bridger)  (Pitzpatric  and 
Co.),  74;  letter  to  announcing  ap- 
proach tp  rendezvous  with  goods 
according  to  contract  and  submit- 
ting proposition  for  additional 
transactions,  132-3;  transactions 
arising  out  of  previous  contract, 
138-9,  140 (See  also  Rocky  Moun- 
tain Pur  Co.) 

Pinlayson  (Finlinson),  Duncan,  79,180 

Flathead  Indians,  191-4 

Fort,  134,  IJ5.  137.  Ua,  I44.  I45.   146, 

147 
Fort  Hall,  227,  See  Port 

Port  of  Vancouver,  176-7 
Frapp,  See  Rocky  Mountain  Fur 

Company 
Fur,   collections  made     by    different 

companies,  69-70 


Gant  and  Blackwell,  156 

Gardner,  Robt.  H.,  better  to  contain- 
ing inquiries  for  information  need- 
ed in  carrying  on  the  salmon  in- 
dustry, 29:  letter  to  returning 
thanks  for  information  received 
and  containing  further  inquiries, 

34 
Grant  &  Stone,  114,  121,  123*4,  notice 

of  draft  on,  129, 130 
Great  Salt  Lake,  8,  144,  162 

H 

Hall,  Henrv  (See  Tucker  &  Williams 
&  Half). 

Hallet,  letter  to  pertaining  to  authen- 
ticity of  statement*  in  communica- 
tion to  Hallet's  paper,  104-5 

Hamilton,  Samuel  S.,  letter  to  con- 
taining inquiries  concerning  laws 
regulating  Indian  trade,  6 

Harrison,  Gen'l.,  letter  to  enclosing 
note  which  a  son  of  Gen'l  H.  had 
entrusted  to  Wyeth,  72 

Harrison,  Doct.,  106,  130 

Hermatinger,  P.,  (See  Ermatinger) 

Heron,  James,  (Herron)   (Horon)   56, 

79 
Hughs,  I.  P.,  letter  to  outlining  plan 
of  expedition,   emphasizing  wri- 
ter's personal  interests  at  stake,  26- 

7 
Hudson's  Bay  Company,  53,  56,  55,63; 
negotiations  with  them  through 
Leonard  Jarvis,  67;  proposed  con- 
tract with,  72,  77-8,  92-3,  125,  163, 
176-7 


[315 

patric,  Sublet- 
Pitipatric  and 
[inouncing  ap- 
is with  goods 
ctand  submit- 
or  additional 
transactions 
rious  contract, 
Rocky   Moun- 

Duncan,  74,180 

144,  145,   146, 

See  Fort 

Mountain  Fur 

by    different 


(6 

;er  to  contain- 
Formation  need- 
:he  salmon  in- 
'  to  returning 
lation  received 
rther  inquiries, 

I,  123-4,  notice 


,  162 


:er  &   Williams 

ling  to  authen- 
lincommunica- 
>er,  104-5 

letter  to  con- 
onceming  laws 
trade,  6 
r  to  enclosing 

fGen'lH.  bad 
72 

30 

Srmatinger) 
)   (Horon)   56, 

outlining  plan 
phasizing  wri- 
ests  at  stake,  26- 

y,  53. 56,  55,63; 

them  through 
proposed  con- 
92-3,  125,  163, 


3«6] 


INDEX 


a59 


I 


Ice  business,  10,  34,  83,  loS,  iii,    ii8, 

133.  »43.  «50 
Independence  Rock,  157,  224 
Indian  Ixjys,  59,  105  (See  Baptiste) 

J 

Jackson,  38,  74 

Jarvis,  I<eonard,  assistance  offered  by 
him  to  Wyeth,  7.  8,  10;  letter  to 
containing  request  for  assistance 
Hud  giving  considerations  affect- 
ing the  advisability  of  the  enter- 
prise undertaken  by  the  author, 
31-3;  fragment  of  letter  to  express- 
ing thanks  for  favors,  52;  frag- 
ment of  letter  to  outlining  plans 
for  returning.  55;  letter  to  stating 
conditions  of  carrying  on  fur  trade 
and  requesting  that  Jarvis  conduct 
negotiations  with  the  H.  B.  Co., 
66-7;  letter  to  asking  for  advice  in 
the  treatment  of  certain  calumnies, 
-  8f-2;  letter  to  in  which  author 
vindicates  himself  against  asper- 
sions in  Bell's  letters  and  John 
VVyeth's  book,  85-9;  letter  to  re- 
porting adverse  conditions  in  his 
affairs,  135;  letter  to  in  which  the 
author  reviews  his  situation,  151-2 

Jervais,  74 

Journal,   proposed  disposition   of  48, 

97 

K 

"Kanackas"  (Hawaiians),  234,  240, 
250 

Kansas  river,  22 

Kelley,  Hall  J.,  addressed  as  general 
agent  for  the  Oregon  Colonization 
Society,  1;  petition  to  congress, 
17-8;  his  means  for  moving  and 
likelhood  of  his  going,  30;  prolw- 
bility  of  his  party  startiup,  36;  let- 
ter to  in  which  Wyeth  gives  reas- 
ons for  not  going  with  him,  39; 
letter  to  in  which  Wyeth  declares 
his  resolution  to  proceed  without 
delaying  for  Kelley's  colony,  43; 
letter  to  expressing  willingness  to 
take  charge  of  some  emigrants,  50; 
letter  to  indicating  disposition 
towards  colonizing  the  Columbia 
region,  51;  90,  250 

Ken  (See  Can) 

L 

Laidlow,  79 


l,aml)ett,  Capt.,  61,  150,  151,  233 

Ivanoing,  R.  K.,  letter  to  implying  that 
he  contemplates  joining  the  first 
expedition,  45;  Leonard  Wyeth 
instructetl  to  write  to  him,  46 

Laramie  fork,  156,  223 

Latitude  and  longitude,  process  of  cal- 
culating, 101-2 

Lawrence,  Josiah  &  Co.,  agent  for 
Wyeth  at  Cincinnati.  it2,  116,  121 

Lee,  Jason,  letter  to  giving  date  of 
leaving  for  St.  Louis,  11 1,  128,227, 

23' 
Livermore,  Solmon  K.,  letter  to  per- 
taining to  his  son's  wish  to  join 
the  first  expedition,  16,  17;  letter 
to  in  which  the  matter  of  his  son's 
joining  the  expedition  is  discuss- 
ed, 25-6;  letter  to  on  the  right  to 
trade  with  Indians  in  the  Oregon 
country,  30-1;  letter  to  relative  to 
history  and  prospects  of  tiade  in 
the  Oregon  country,  38-9,   80,  81. 

85-9.  90 
Livermore,  Thomas,  (See  in  'iboveref 
ercnces) 

M 

McParlan,  Leonard  Wyeth   instructed 
to  write  to  him,  46' 

McGill,  (See  Von    Phull   &  McGill) 

McKay,  180,  227,  231,  251 

McKenzic,  79 

McLoughlin,  Dr.John,  his  hospitality 
53;letter  to  expressing  obligations 
to  Ermatinger  and  offering  serv- 
ices,68,79, 140,  176-7,  181,  233,  251, 

253 
.  McNeil,  Capt.,  61 

March,  E.  E.,  letter  to  received  from 
Leonard  Wyeth,  46;  to  »«  entrust- 
ed with  papers,  67 
Marshall,  Josiah,  38 
Men  for  expedition,  94-5,  103 
Men  of  the  first  expedition,  178 
Metcalf,  E.  W.,  letter  to.  115,  137 
Missioiiari?'s,  (See  Jason  Lee) 

N 

Neil,  Col.  J.  W.,  letter  to  containing 
inquiries  regarding  the  contem- 
plated expedition  of  the  Oregon 
Colonization  Society,  3 

News,  given  to  Ermatinger,  69 

Noah,  Cousin,  letter  to  pertaining  to 
communication  with  Ball,  105 

Note,  protested,  70,  71 

Norris  &Co.,  letter  to  containing  in- 
quiries for  traps,  33 


m 


INDKX 


[.^17 


Vuild,  79 

Nuttall,  Thomas,  letter  to  Antiounciiig 
that  a  package  of  plants  has  been 
sent  him,  67;  letter  to  apprising 
him  of  Wveth's  movements  to  St. 
I^uis  103;  letter  to  concerning 
outfit,  io6-7,  114.  ia6,  137, 


O 


(See 


Oregon  Colonization   Society, 

Colonization  Society ) 
OutfiU,  13,  17.  2'.  27-«.  33.  4».  59.    «9. 

94.  95 


Pamhrun,  79,  173.  184-5.  23' 

Parents,  letters  to  giving  resumes  of 
experiences,  53,  135,  145.  !«"««■  to 
announcing  date  o*   return.   103  4 

Payette,  141.  200 

Perkins,  38, 

Perry,  Rev.  Clark,  letter  to  discussing 
religious  convictions  and  freedom 
of  opinion,  43-4;  letters  to  pertain- 
ing to  calumnies,  80-1,  89-90;  bid- 
ding goodbye,  104 

Petition,to  congress  by  Mr.  Kelley  and 
those  who  proposed  to  go  in  the 
first  expedition,  17-8 

Pickering,  Jno.,  letter  to  referring  to 
a  point  about  the  language  of 
Indians,  108 

Pilcher,  38 

Platte  river,  153-4.  222-3 

Proposition  to  Geo.  Sini[p]8on.  Gov- 
ernor of  Hudson's  Bay  Company. 
York  Factor>',  5S 


Ray,  25 

Rendezvous,  159 

Richardson,  note  placed  for  him  at  the 
mouth  of  a  fork  of  the  river  Des- 
chutes, 147-8,  235,  241,  246,  250 

Rockhill,  fhomas  C,  letter  to,  93 

Rockv  Mountain  Fur  Company  (Sub- 
lette &  Fitzpatric),  72,  74.  77.  »56- 
7.  '59.  W.«.  204-5,  225 

Routes,  inquiries  a»)out,  from  Balti- 
more to  St.  Louis  via  Pittsburg,  4; 
from  New  York  to  Pittsburg  via 
Buffaloeaiid  Erie,  5;  determina- 
tion to  go  by  packet  to  Baltimore, 
10;  route  contemplated  from  St. 
Louis  across  the  continent,  8;    20 


Salmon  fisheries.  60-1.  144.  MS.  '<>8 


Samuel,  K.  M.  letters  to  instructing 
him  about  outfits  for  second  ex- 
pedition, 70,  83,  90-1  94-5,  98-9, 
too,  102-3,  108,  123,  134,  127,  129, 
1 30- 1 

Samuel  &  More  (See  B.  M.  Samuel) 

Seaton,  Alfred,  letter  to  stating  terms 
at  which  furs  would  be  transport- 
ed from  Green  River  via  Columbia 
river  to  Boston,  100,  124 

Serrey,  (See  Cerri) 

Simpson,  (Sinisun)  Geo.,  letter  to 
containing  proposal  to  supply 
goods,56-8,  proposal  todeliver  furs 
to,  72;  notice  to  thckt  negotiations 
are  at  an  end,  84 

Sinclair,  John,  letter  to  containing  in- 
structi;>ns  for  joining  the  expedi- 
tion at  Baltimore,  47 

Smith,  IraG.,  119-20;  letters  of  intro- 
duction, 122 

Smith,  Jedediah,  38,  74,  181 

Spokan  river,  186-7 

Stewart.  Capt.  William,  copies  of  let- 
ters introducing   him   with  letter 
enclosing  them,  142,  147,  205,  227, 
231,  232,  250 
Stevens,  Capt.,  206 

Story  telling,  170 

Sublette,  M.  G.,  letter  to  referring  to 
H  contract,  71-2,  83;  letter  to  per- 
taining to  meeting  in  New  York, 
95;  letter  to  about  selection  of 
goods,  96;  letter  to  giving  basis  of 
proposed  business  relations,  97-8; 
109,  132;  letter  to  complaining  of 
breach  of  contract,  140  (See  also 
Rocky  Mountain  Fur  Co. ) 

Sublette,  'William  L.,  69,  70,  71,74,83; 
letters  to  announcing  movements, 
105-6,  109,  no,  115,  116,  213 

Sultana,  Bg.,  56 


Thing,  Captain  Joseph,  106;  letter  to 
containing  instructions  regarding 
business  left  in  his  charge,  107; 
letter  to  containing  directions 
about  shipment  of  rifles  and  knives 
!  13;  letters  to  concerning  goods  to 
be  brought  on,  113,  114,  115,  116, 
117,  121,  !22,  232,  235,  251 

Toliacco  culture,  inquiries  relating  to, 
3-4:  mull  desired  competent  for 
conducting,6;  seed  ordered  put  up 
for  the  expedition.and  man  again 
requested,  24 

Touro,  Judah,  letter  to  requesting  that 
he  get  a  note  discounted,   33-4; 


U«7 

ers  to  instructing 
ts  for  second  ex- 
\,  90-1  94-5.  9**-9- 
123,  U4.  la?.   "9. 

;c  E.  M.  Samuel) 
er  to  stating  terms 
/ouUlbe  transport- 
River  via  Columbia 
1,  100,  134 

ison)  Geo.,  letter  to 
roposal  to  supply 
tposal  to  deliver  furs 
o  ihni  negotiation* 

84  ... 

ter  to  containing  in- 
joining  the  expedi- 

ore,  47  ,  .  , 

.ao;  letters  of  intro- 

38.  74.  «8i 

illiani,  copies  of  let- 
ng  him  with  letttr 
m,  14a.  '47.  ao5.  227. 

t.,  206 

letter  to  referring  to 
[-2,  83;  letter  to  per- 
•eting  in  New  \ork, 
L  about  selection    of 
iter  to  giving  basis  of 
liness  relations,  97-8; 
er  to  complaininn  of 
itract,  140  (See  also 
itain  Fur  Co.) 
11  Lm  69,  70,  7 «. 74.83; 
louncing  movements, 
10,115.  "6,  213 


oeeph,    106;   letter  to 
nstructions  regarding 

in  his  charge,   107; 

ontaining     directions 

ent  of  rifles  and  knives 

o  concerning  goods  to 

|)U,  113,  114.  "5.   "6, 

,  232,  235.  251 

inquiries  relating  to, 
esired  competent  for 
6;  seed  ordered  put  up 
!dition,and  man  again 

4 

;tter  to  requesting  that 

lote   discounted,    33-4; 


318] 


INDKX 


a6i 


note  not  forwarded,  49 

Townsend,  12H,  137 

Trumbull,  79 

Tucker  &  Williams  (Henry  Hall  & 
Tucker  &  Williams)  (Tucker  it 
Williams  &  Henr>-  Hall),  exami- 
nation of  accounts  with,  47-b;  1ft- 
ter  to  reporting  business  aspects 
of  trip  out,  54;  letter  to  giving 
business  outlook,  63;  letter  to  a\>- 
prising  them  of  author's  arrival, 
71;  letter  to  settinf^  forth  in  detail 
history  and  conditions  of  fur  and 
salmon  trade,  upon  which  propos- 
ed plan  of  operations  is  based,  73- 
H;  letter  to  containinK  propoite«l 
form  of  contract,  8a;  letter  to  con- 
cerning items  of  outfit,  94,  95;  let- 
ter to  regarding  acoeptanct-  of 
traps,  107-8;  letter  to  on  matters  of 
tra|»H  and  accounts,  108-9;  letter 
giving  notice  of  draft  drawn  on 
them,  109;  letter  to  enclosing  one 
from  Samuel  &  More  giving  view 
of  state  of  affairs  with  them,  1 ' 
letter  to  l)earing  upon  financinl 
as])ect8  of  business, 1 10- II ;letter  to 
containing  .statement  of  transjic- 
tions,  1 1 1-2;  letter  to  detailing 
financial  arrangements  for  expens- 
es of  expedition,  114;  letter  to  con- 
taining statement  of  transactions, 
1 16-7;  letter  to  about  Santa  Fe 
trade,  119-20;  letter  to  on  matter 
of  finances,  121;  letter  to  detailing 
transactions  since  the  last,  124-5; 
letters  to  giving  statements  of 
transactions  and  of  newly  develop- 
ed conditions,  139-32;  letter  to  de- 
tailing condition  of  business  af- 
fairs up  io  its  date,  138-9 

Tudor,  Frederic,  assistance  from,  32; 
shipping  of  ice,  34;  his  agteement 
towards  securing  cargo  and  vessel 
for  Wyeth,  49;  present  made  by  to 
Wyeth,  49;  letter  descriptive'  of 
Oregon  country  probablv  to  Tu- 
dor, 53;  used  as  a  reference,  61; 
letter  to  giving  plans  after  return 
from  the  Oregon  country  to  the 
Rocky  Mountain  region  with  some 
expression  of  personal  feelings, 62- 
3; letter  to  apprisi ng  h i ill  of  Wyeth ' s 
arrival  in  Missouri,  71,  82,  83,  97 
108, 1 1 1  ;letter  to  reviewing  outlook, 
1 18-9;  letter  to  rejiorting  adverse 
conditions,  134;  letter  to  giving 
report  of  affairs  of  business  up  to 
date,  142-3;  letter  to  reporting 
prospective  failure,  149-50 


Vessel,  143,  144,  145 

Von  Fhi  \1)  &  Mct^il!  (Von  l'ool)(Mc- 
tiil),  67,  draft  sent  to  upon  Mr. 
Cerri,  68;  letter  to  enclosing  an- 
nouncement to  M.  G.  Sublette, 83, 
90;  letter  to  of  the  nature  of  an  or- 
der, 91;  statement  to  103;  no;  an- 
nounced as  Wyeth 'd  headquarters 
at  St.  Louis,  II  I,  122,  123;  letter 
to  making  remittances  138;  letter 
to  enclosing  remittance,  140 

w 

Walla  Walla,  171-3,  184-5 
Waterhouse,  lieiijainin,  author  of  Jno. 

Wyeth's  book,  104 
Wehl,  "letter  to  containing  review   of 

experiences,  148-9 
Whiting,  Seyniour,  letter  to  in   reply 

to  inquities  made  with  a  view   of 

joining  the  expedition,  details  of 

t>lan  of  expedition  given,  29-30; 
etter  to  in  which  proimsition  for 
joining  is  declinecl  for  want  of 
means,  42-3 

Wife,  letters  to,  1 17-8,  128,  135,  144; 
letter  to  announcing  disasters  and 
date  of  return,  154 

Wild  (Wildes).  Captain  Dixie,  letter 
to  submitting  terms  for  having  a 
vessel  dispatched  to  Oregon,  14-5; 
letter  to  discussing  items  of  pro- 
]X)sition  for  furnishing  vessel  for 
the  expedition,  20-24,  38 

Willamette  river  and  valley,  178-9 

Woodman,  178,  183,  191 

Worthington,  Jas.,  letter  to  making 
an  offier  to  furnish  goods  for  fur 
trade,  91 

Wyeth,  Charles,  letter  to  containing 
statement  of  original  plan,  i;  let- 
ter to  requesting  information 
about  tolMCCu  culture  and  giving 
statement  of  revised  plans,  3-4; 
letter  to  giving  first  details  con- 
cerning proposed  independent  ex- 
])edition,  6-8;  letter  to  referring  to 
details  of  financial  relations  be- 
tween him  and  writer  and  to  pro- 
gress of  negotiations  for  vessel,  15- 
6;  letter  to  relating  to  plans  for 
fitting  out  at  St.  Louis,  24;  letter 
to  requesting  aid  in  making  new 
arrangements  for  a  vessel, 28-9; let- 
ter to  relating  to  assistance  need- 
ed to  secure  an  arrangement  for  a 
vessel  and  cargo,  34-6;  note  not 
forwardeil,  49;    letter  to  advising 


263 


INDEX 


[319 


of  prupuaed  draft,  50;  letter  con- 
cerning a  letter  of  credit,  51;  let- 
ter to  descriptive  of  writer's  con- 
dition at  Vancouver,  55;  letter  to 
referring  to  periional  situation  and 
matters  of  business,  65-6;  letter  to 
announcing  completion  of  ar- 
rangements for  second  expedition, 
85;  letter  to  giving  stage  of  pre- 
paration for  second  exjiedition.Qi- 
3;  letter  to  concerning  finances  of 
second  expedition,  96;  letter  to 
concerning  instructions  to  Abbot, 
100;  letter  to  desi(^nating  Captain 
Thing  as  second  in  command  of 
expedition,  107;  letter  toannounc- 
in^  his  coming,  109;  letter  to  de- 
tailing propw^d  movements,  137; 
letter  to  giving  summary  of  ex- 
periences up  to  date,  146;  letter  to 
announcing  failure  of  salmon  fish- 
ing.sickness  and  plans  for  return, 

15^-3 

Wyeth,  Jacob,  \ua  brother  "  athaniel, 
applies  for  a  position  for  him  in 
the  proposed  expedition  by  the 
Oregon  Colonizition  Society,  r, 
advised  regarding  the  proposed 
expedition,  2;  plan  of  independ- 
ent expedition  submitted  to  him, 
5;  letter  commenting  upon  chang- 
es in  plans  of  Colonization  Society 
and  explaining  arrangements  of 
the  joint  stock  concern,  11-2;  let- 
ter to  givins  summary  of  previous 
letter,  13-4;  letter  to  touching  up- 
on points  of  finance,  3i;  letter  to 
apprising  him  of  date  of  forming 
camp  and  sailing  for  Baltimore,42; 
reference  to  his  turning  l)ack,  53; 
letter  to  referring  to  accounts  with 
writer,  79;  letter  to  announcing 
date  of  expected  arrival  at  St. 
Louis,  1 11;  letter  to,  135-6,  145; 
See  also  Parents,  145 

Wyeth,  Jonas,  123 

Wyeth,  John,  80- r,  his  Ixwk  examined, 

85-9 
Wyeth,  Leonard,  letter  to  containing 
inquiries  concerning  route  from 
New  York  to  Pittsburg  via  Buffalo 
and  Erie,  5;letter  to  giving  chang- 
es in  plans  of  Colonization  Society 
that  are  unsatisfactory  to  writer 
and  statement  of  his  revised  plans, 
9-10;  letter  to  requestiiig  names 
and  addresses  of  persons  living  in 
St.  Louis,  also  referring  to  situa- 
tion lis  to  funds  and  vessels  need- 
ed, 18;  letter  to  referring  to  same 


matters  and  aid  proffered  l>y  oth- 
ers, 19;  letter  to  referring  traps 
and  guns  desired,  and  goods  needl- 
ed for  Indian  trade,  also  to  new 
conditions  for  securing  vessel,  27- 
8;  letter  to  reganliiig  pledge  to  se- 
cure vessel  and  cargo  to  meet  first 
expedition,  37-8;  letter  to  relating 
to  agreement  with  Hall,  Williams 
&  Tucker,  41;  financial  matters, 
45;  letter  to  enclosing  copy  of 
agreen,eiit  with  Tucker,  Williams 
&  Hall  and  requesting  that  it  lye 
endorsed  with  guarantee  and  for- 
warded to  Charles  Wyeth,  46;  let- 
ter to  referring  to  men  for  the  ex- 
pedition that  were  being  engage<l 
by  Leonard  Wyeth,  46;  letter  to 
arranging  for  funds,  51;  letter  to 
recounting  experiences  on  trip 
out  and  giving  plans  for  return, 
54;  letter  to  giving  plans,  also  re- 
ferences to  characteristics  of  west- 
ern aiisociates,  64-5;  letters  to,  73- 
3.  7S1  S3;  letter  to  pertaining  to 
transactions  of  Abbot,  93-4;  letter 
to  pertaining  to  M.  CV.  Sublette's 
business  at  New  York,  96;  letter 
to  pertaining  to  relations  with 
Sublettes,  103;  letter  to  introduc- 
ing E.  M.  Sainuc!,  1 13;  letter  to 
introducing  Col.  Geo.  W.  Jones, 
127;  letter  to  det  tiling  pioposed 
movements,  137-8;  letter  to  giving 
summary  of  expc-riences  up  to  its 
date,  145-6;  letter  to  announcing 
failure  of  salmon  fishing,  and  re- 
porting sickness  and  plans  for  re- 
turn, 153 
Wyeth,  Nathaniel,  his  estimate  of  the 
nature  of  his  undertaking,  49;per- 
.sonal  feelings  expressed  to  Fred- 
eric Tu<lor,  62-3;  physical  and 
mental  condition,  64.  65,  91-2,138, 
'36,  243;  claim,  253-4;  his  state- 
ment of  facts,  254-6 


Young,  250 


ill   ' 

1 

I   > 


II 


[319 

proffere*!  by   otl«- 
o  referrliiK   tr«p« 
1,  and  goodgnee<l- 
rtde,   nlHO  to  new 
^curing  vewel,  27- 
-ding  pletlge  to  §e- 
cargo  to  meet  first 
;  letter  to  relating 
Ith  Hall,  Williams 
financial   matterB, 
nclosing    copy    of 
Tucker,  Williams 
uesting  that  it   Ire 
guarantee  and   for- 
Ics  Wyeth,  46;  let- 
to  me'n  for  the  ex- 
ere  being  engaged 
^eth,   46;   letter  to 
unds,  5«;   letter  to 
periences    on     trip 

plans  for  return, 
'ing  plana,  also  re- 
racteristics  of  we st- 
64-5;  letters  to,  72- 
r  to  pertaining  to 
Abbot,  93-4;  letter 
0  M.  IV.  Sublette's 
w  YoTk,  96;  letter 
to    relations    with 

letter  to  introduc- 
lucl,  113;  letter  to 
jI,  Geo.  W.  Jones, 
detiiling  pioposed 
17-8;  letter  to  giving 
icpcr'.ences  up  to  its 
tter  to  announcing 
ion  fishing,  and  re- 
;ss  and  plans  for  re- 

,  his  estimate  of  the 
undertaking,  49".per- 
expressed  to  Fred- 
62-3;  physical  and 
ion,  64.  65,  91-2,128, 
m,  253-4;  his  state- 
,  254-6 

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The  Oregon  Historical  Society 

Through  the  wise  and  beneficent  action  of  the  twentieth 
I«egialative  Assembly  of  Oregon  in  providing  financial  support  for 
the  newly  organized  Oregon  Historical  Society  the  v'ork  of  col- 
lecting and  preserving  the  sources  of  the  history  of  Oregon  and  of 
cultivating  tiie  historical  spirit  among  its  people  was  placed  in 
position  to  be  vigorously  prosecuted.  The  appropriation  made  by 
the  Iq^lature  is  being  supplemented  by  the  membership  fees  from 
representative  citizens  of  the  state. 

The  collections  of  manuscripts  and  all  other  sources  of  histori- 
cal  evidence  that  are  being  secured  from  day  to  day  are  deposited 
in  some  rooms  of  the  City  Hall  of  Portland.  This  dispositor}'  was 
courteously  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  society  by  the  officials 
of  that  city. 

The  society  is  the  direct  outcome  of  work  begun  in  a  tenta- 
tive and  humblest  way  by  the  department  of  economics  and  his- 
tor}'  of  the  State  University.  It  has  not  yet  become  possible  to 
broaden  the  scope  of  the  Society's  efforts  so  as  to  include  all  the 
lines  essential  to  the  normal  functions  of  a  state  historical  society. 
The  Sr*ciety,  however,  is  growing  rapidly.  With  the  measure  of 
support  from  its  natural  patrons  that  confidence  in  it  should  elicit  it 
will  become  equal  to  the  opportunities  lying  within  its  magnificent 
field— the  lives  and  achievements  of  the  makers  of  Oregon. 


ORBQON  HISTORICAL  SOCIBYY. 

K.  W.  acoTT,  FreiUeni,  Pdrtland 

C.  B.  BsuiHomt,  VUt-Presideni,  FOftluid 

I«.  B.  06ii,  TVuMtrer,  BDrtkMid 

9.  vQ.  Yaimo,  Sea^imy,  Bogeat 

090.  B,  JHnoM,  Aitisftmi'SeereUify,  Vmmad 


^iS*«^*iCS4S*  AU«4'  '^Afe 


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